Basic Eligibility
Please note that this information is subject to change. Final eligibility determination rests with the screening staff at the donor clinic.
Identification
Identification with full name and signature, or full name and photograph required.
Age
Between 17 and 71 birthday (regular donor), or between 17 and 61 birthday (first-time donor). To continue donating after the 71 birthday, regular donors should contact Canadian Blood Services prior to donation for further eligibility information.
Weight
At least 50 kg (110 lb).
Frequency of Donation
Minimum interval between blood donations is 56 days.
Health
In general good health and feeling well. You should have had something to eat and adequate sleep. You must also meet hemoglobin (iron) requirements (test done at clinic).
Screening
At the time of donation, you will be asked a number of questions to determine your eligibility. For example:
If You Have: You Must Wait Before Donating:
- Had dental treatment (extractions, fillings, cleaning, restoration)
- For cleaning or filling: until the day after treatment
- For extraction, root canal or dental surgery: 72 hours provided there is full recovery
- A cold, flu or sore throat
- Had ear or body piercing or tattooing
Donating blood does not put you at risk of disease. All needles are sterile, used only once and discarded. The usual blood collection - a "unit" - is about half a litre, or one pint. Your body soon replaces all the blood you donate.
Stem Cells
To be eligible to join the Canadian Blood Services OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, you must:
- Be between 17 and 50 years of age
- Meet certain health-related criteria
- Fall between certain height and weight levels
For more information please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).