• Can I donate blood if I'm anemic?

I'm anemic, and 24 years old. My job is having a blood drive at the end of this week and I would really like to do donate. However, is this possible if I'm anemic?

5 Answers

  • Internist
  • Los Angeles, California

It is not recommended. You need to find out why you are anemic which is not normal!

  • Internist | Obesity Medicine
  • Humble, TEXAS

It's not recommended to donate blood if you are anemic.

  • Internist
  • Houston, TX

The nice blood bank people will check your blood right then & there. If you are too anemic to donate, call your primary care doctor and get the anemia fixed.

  • Internist
  • MONTCLAIR, CA

I assume you are referring to donating whole blood. You will not be eligible to donate whole blood if you have anemia. Anemia means a condition in which you have a below normal amount of red blood. Hemoglobin is a measure of the amount of red blood you have. Cut offs for diagnosing anemia are having a hemoglobin less than 12.0 g/dL (for women) or less than 13.0 g/dL (for men). In fact, according to American Red Cross eligibility criteria, you can donate whole blood only if your hemoglobin is at least 12.5 g/dL (for a woman) or at least 13.0 g/dL (for a man).

  • Internist
  • Wellington, Florida

Anemia, especially moderate to severely low Hgb, is a contraindication for blood donation.

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