Your Top Questions, Answered
We’ve been answering your questions in-centre and online, and we’ve noticed a few of your regular questions around eligibility.
If you’re thinking about donating for the first time, planning your next donation, or perhaps just curious about how things may impact your upcoming appointment, we’ve wrangled the most common questions.
“I’m on antibiotics. Can I still donate?”
For a recent infection you need to have finished the full course of antibiotics at least 5 days before donating, and your infection must have completely resolved at least 1 week prior to your appointment.
For long term/low dose antibiotics for mild acne or rosacea (e.g. minocycline, doxycycline, erythromycin) you’re generally fine to donate while taking them.
If you’re using other preventative antibiotics it can vary. You will need to check with our team about that specific antibiotic. Give us a call on 13 14 95 and we’ll put you in touch with our medical team to chat about your medications.
“I’ve just had surgery, is that an issue?”
Straight out of surgery and already looking to make a life-saving donation? You’re a super star!
How long you need to wait post-surgery can depend on a number of things, including the reason for surgery, type of surgery, and your recovery period.
If you received a blood transfusion during or after your surgery, you’ll need to wait at least 4 months from the transfusion before you donate blood.
Additionally, if you have an upcoming surgery, you can’t donate 84 days prior to that date.
“Can I donate if I’m taking blood thinners?”
If you’re on blood thinners (anti coagulant or anti platelet drugs), you might still be able to donate, but it depends on:
• which medication you’re taking
• why you’re taking it (the underlying condition)
• how recently you took your last dose
People on these medicines may be eligible, but it needs a case by case check with a doctor on our team. Call us on 13 14 95 and ask to speak with a medical professional so we can review your situation.
Are diabetics allowed to donate?
If your diabetes is controlled through diet and oral medication, and you have no complications from your diabetes, such as eye, heart, blood vessel or kidney problems, then yes. For those needing insulin to control their diabetes, you’ll need to contact us to check your eligibility.
We also have a range of post-donation snacks so diabetics won’t miss out!
“What age do you have to be to donate?”
We get a plenty of questions from people asking if someone of their age (younger, older, and in-between) can donate.
To ensure donation doesn’t impact your health, there are minimum and maximum ages for blood donation. The minimum age is 18 and the maximum age is 75 for first-time donors.
“How do I become a blood donor?”
First off, welcome! There are several ways you can kick-start your donation journey. Firstly pick your ideal donor centre. Close to home, work or simply the most convenient, you find our donor centres here.
From there, you can see available sessions, then book online or by calling the donor centre. Either way, you will need to create an account. We recommend you download the Lifeblood app to make this process seamless and easy.
If you’d like to explore any other topics you can check out our FAQs page or throw some questions at our chat bot – click the question-mark box in the bottom right corner of our website.