Who can donate

Can I donate blood?

The basic rules in India, set by the National Blood Transfusion Council and the Drugs & Cosmetics Act. The final word is always the medical check at the blood centre, these are the gates before it.

The basics (most people pass)

Age between 18 and 65.
Weight 50 kg or more.
Haemoglobin 12.5 g/dL or more (tested free at the centre).
Normal temperature and pulse; blood pressure roughly 100–140 over 60–90.
Generally healthy, no fever, cold or infection today.

How often?

Men: every 3 months (90 days). Women: every 4 months (120 days). Our platform hides you from matching automatically until your interval clears, you'll never be asked too early.

Common deferrals (temporary, come back later)

Fever or infection, wait until fully recovered (usually 2 weeks).
New tattoo or piercing, 6 months.
Recent surgery, pregnancy or breastfeeding, as advised by the centre (childbirth: typically 1 year after delivery, once lactation has stopped).
Malaria, 3 months after treatment in endemic areas (check with the centre).
Recent vaccination, varies; most are fine after 24–48 hours, some need 2–4 weeks.
Antibiotics, usually 5–14 days after the course ends.
Alcohol in the last 24 hours.

Can I donate if…

The quick answers. When the answer is “ask the centre”, that is the honest answer, the doctor at the blood centre decides on the day.

…I'm 17, or over 65? 18–65 is the standard window in India. First-time donors above 65 are usually not accepted; regular donors may continue with the centre's approval.

…I weigh less than 50 kg? Not yet: 50 kg is the floor for a safe standard donation (350–450 ml by weight).

…I got a tattoo or piercing? After 6 months, once healed. See deferrals.

…I'm on medication? Often yes: controlled thyroid, BP and similar conditions are commonly fine. Bring your prescription list; the centre doctor decides.

…I have diabetes? Well-controlled diabetes without complications is usually acceptable. The centre makes the call.

…I'm pregnant or breastfeeding? Not while pregnant or breastfeeding. Typically 1 year after delivery, once lactation has stopped.

…I had dengue, malaria or fever recently? Fever: ~2 weeks after full recovery. Malaria: 3 months after treatment in endemic areas. Dengue: once fully recovered and cleared by your doctor, tell the centre.

…I smoke or drink? Smoking doesn't disqualify. No alcohol in the 24 hours before donating.

…I'm vegetarian? Yes: iron and protein from lentils, spinach, jaggery, dates with vitamin C keep haemoglobin donation-ready.

…I've had surgery? Wait until fully recovered and cleared, usually a few months depending on the surgery, ask the centre.

Full detail in the guides: deferrals explained · women & donation · how often you can donate

Rare blood groups matter most. O− can help every patient but only 1 in ~20 Indians has it. Negative groups (O−, B−, A−, AB−) are chronically short in Assam's banks. If you're negative, the network needs you specifically.

Why these rules exist

Every rule on this page comes from India's National Blood Transfusion Council, and each one protects two people: you, the donor, and the patient who receives your blood. The intervals exist because your body rebuilds its red cells and iron stores over weeks, not hours. The weight and age floors exist because the volume drawn is calibrated to a safe range. If one answer above surprised you, the detailed guides cover it properly: the full deferral list, how often you can donate, women and donation, and a walkthrough for first-time donors. Still unsure about your specific case? Ask us directly, or check the eligibility chapter of the knowledge base.

Eligibility questions

I donated 2 months ago, can I donate again for a friend?

No, the safe minimum is 3 months for men, 4 for women. But you can register and be matched after your interval clears, or bring another donor.

I take regular medication, can I donate?

Often yes (e.g. thyroid or BP medication when controlled), but the doctor at the blood centre decides. Bring your prescription list.

Can I donate if I have diabetes?

Well-controlled diabetes without complications is usually acceptable. The centre doctor makes the call.

Does donating blood hurt or make me weak?

The needle pinch lasts a second; 350–450 ml is drawn (by weight) and replaced by your body within days. Eat and drink normally before and after.

How long does a donation take?

About 10 minutes on the couch, 30–45 minutes at the centre including check-up, snack and rest.

I'm under 50 kg but healthy, why not?

The volume drawn is calibrated to body weight; below 50 kg the safe draw becomes too small to process. The floor protects you.

Can I donate if I had dengue last month?

Only after full recovery and your doctor's clearance, tell the centre about it. Post-viral deferrals are decided case by case.

I'm 66 and donated for years, can I continue?

Regular donors above 65 are assessed individually by the centre. Register anyway; the interval rules keep you safe either way.