- Products & Services
-
Media
Media Releases - Procurement & Finance
- Research & Publications
Home
/
Donors
/
Donor Eligibility Quiz
Blood Donor Eligibility Quiz
1
Age
2
Weight
3
Tattoo
4
Surgery
5
Travel
6
Medical Condition
7
Pregnancy
8
Prescription
9
Malaria
Are you wondering if you meet the requirements to become a blood donor?
Take our two-minute quiz to see if you meet the basic requirements to donate blood. Final eligibility will be determined by our staff at our donation centres.
Are you between the ages of 16 and 75?
We know that age ain’t nothing but a number ? but legally if you are under the age of 16 you cannot donate blood. If you are a new donor over the age of 75 you have reached the upper age limit. For your safety we cannot allow you to donate.
Why do we ask this?
For your safety and well-being, blood donation is governed by age restrictions. Individuals must be at least 16 years old to donate, while first-time donors are capped at a maximum age of 75. These guidelines ensure that all donors are within a healthy age range, promoting a safe and effective donation process."
Do you weigh 50kg or more?
Are you a feather weight? Our championship donors need to weigh 50 kg or more in order to donate blood.
Why do we ask this?
We prioritize your health and safety, and weighing 50 kg or more helps us ensure that you can donate without experiencing complications such as dizziness or fainting.
Have you had a tattoo or piercing in the last 3 months?
Ouch! So you just had some needle work done? No worries you are welcome to come donate blood 3 months after getting a tattoo (this includes micro-blading and permanent make-up) or piercings.
Why do we ask this?
We ask about tattoos and piercings before donating to ensure the safety of both donors and recipients.
Have you had major surgery in the last 3 months?
We hope that you are recovering well after your surgery ❤. We need you completely healed before donating blood. We therefore implement a 3 month deferral period after major surgery to allow sufficient time for recovery, restoration of iron levels, and resolution of any potential infections. If you received any blood products during or after surgery you will need to wait 3 months before you can donate.
Why do we ask this?
Major surgeries can pose risks such as infections or complications that may affect your health and the safety of the blood supply. A waiting period is applied following surgery to ensure both your safety as a donor and the safety of patients receiving blood transfusions.
Have you travelled outside of South Africa in the last 3 months?
Well done for getting your passport stamped. ✈ Globetrotters like you may be required to wait 3 months after travelling out of the country to donate.
Why do we ask this?
Certain regions may have higher risk for infections such as Malaria that can be transmitted through blood transfusion. If you have travelled to a Malaria area there is a 4 week deferral period. This waiting period enables us to ensure that you are well enough to donate and that the blood you donate is relatively safe.
Do you have any medical condition for which you may or may not be on treatment?
In most cases, medication will not disqualify you from blood donation. Inform our clinic staff of any medication or treatment you are taking. They will advise on whether you may donate
Why do we ask this?
Dental procedures can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, which may pose a risk for infection. To protect both your health and that of patients receiving blood, we implement a deferral period of 72 hours after such treatments. This waiting period allows time for any potential bacteria to clear from your system, ensuring that you are fit to donate safely.
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
New mothers are required to wait 3 months before they donate. Breastfeeding mothers can donate once they have stopped breastfeeding.
Why do we ask this?
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should not donate blood. A waiting period is applied to ensure that your body has fully recovered and that any potential risks to both you and the recipient are minimized.
Are you taking any prescription medication?
Popping pills ?? Most prescribed medication may not prevent you from donating. If you are currently taking medication please contact us or visit a donor center near you to find out if it is safe for you to donate.
Why do we ask this?
In most cases, being on medication does not disqualify you from donating, as long as your condition is well-managed and stable. It's important to bring your medication or its name with you when you come to donate. For specific medications, such as blood pressure medications, we require that you have been on the same medication for at least four weeks before donating. This helps ensure that your health is not compromised during the donation process and that the safety of the blood supply is maintained.
Have you visited a malaria area in the last 4 weeks?
So you took a short left to a malaria prone area, no worries all you need to do is wait 4 weeks before donating. However, if you grew up in a malaria endemic region you need to wait 3 years before you can donate. Please contact our clinic staff for explanation on why this is the case. If you contracted malaria you will not be able to donate blood for 3 years from completion of treatment.
Why do we ask this?
If you have traveled to a malaria-endemic region, there is a deferral period of four weeks after your return before you can donate. This waiting period is crucial because malaria can be asymptomatic, meaning you could carry the infection without showing any signs. By adhering to this guideline, we help protect both your health and the health of patients receiving blood transfusions, ensuring that all donated blood is safe and free from potential infections.
Great! You are one step closer to saving up to three lives. Find your nearest donor center.
Still have questions? Check our FAQs or Contact Us
Still have questions? Check our FAQs or Contact Us
So you took a short left to a malaria prone area, no worries all you need to do is wait 4 weeks before donating. If your mosquito net failed you and you contracted malaria you, will not be able to donate blood for 3 years after ?treatment and recovery.
Thank You!
Your honesty in answering these questions assists us to protect you, while you assist in saving others.
Organise a blood drive!
Help SANBS recruit new blood donors by organising a blood drive in your community,
office, school, college, church, or residential complex.