Who Can Donate Blood? (Age, Weight, Health)
Blood donation is meant for people who are healthy enough to give safely and whose blood can help patients without putting anyone at risk. The exact rules can vary slightly between countries and blood centers, but the basic ideas are similar everywhere.
Age requirements
Most guidelines say that whole‑blood donors should be adults in good health.
· In many countries, donors are accepted from 18 to about 60–65 years for routine donation.
· Some centers may allow 17‑year‑olds (or even 16‑year‑olds) with parental consent and if they meet all physical criteria.
· Regular donors above 60 or 65 may continue donating if they stay healthy and are cleared by a doctor.
RedLife should follow the age rules of licensed blood banks in Pakistan; your app can show the typical range (for example, “18–60 years”) and remind users that the final decision is always made at the blood center.
Weight requirements
Weight rules are there to protect donors from losing too high a percentage of their blood volume.
· A common minimum weight is around 50 kg for a standard 450 ml donation.
· Some centers accept 45 kg donors for a smaller volume (e.g., 350 ml), but this depends on local standards and should be checked with each blood bank.
People who are very underweight have a smaller blood volume, so removing a full unit could cause dizziness or more serious reactions. That is why height and weight checks are part of every pre‑donation screening.
General health requirements
To donate, you should:
· Feel well on the day of donation: no fever, severe cough, diarrhea, vomiting or acute illness.
· Be physically and mentally fit, able to go through a short medical interview and understand the questions.
· Have a normal pulse, blood pressure, temperature and an acceptable hemoglobin level when checked at the center.
If you are on long‑term treatment for certain conditions (e.g., blood pressure, diabetes), you may still be able to donate if the condition is well controlled and your doctor agrees. The medical staff at the blood bank will review your situation case by case.
Lifestyle and infection‑risk considerations
Even if someone looks healthy, certain behaviors or exposures can increase the risk of infections being present in their blood. For this reason, you may be temporarily or permanently deferred if you:
· Inject non‑prescribed drugs or share needles.
· Have multiple high‑risk sexual partners or unprotected sex that puts you at risk of HIV or hepatitis.
· Recently had certain vaccines, tattoos, piercings or high‑risk travel.
· Work or live in situations where you may have been exposed to serious infections.
These questions can feel personal, but they are asked in private and are vital to keep the blood supply safe. Honest answers protect patients and also help protect the donor from hidden health issues.
Summary for users
RedLife donors should understand that most healthy adults can donate, but each donation is individually assessed. Meeting the age and weight limits, feeling well, and passing the health screening are the keys to a safe and successful donation.