Can you give blood?
To protect both donor and recipient, blood donation follows strict eligibility criteria. The medical interview will confirm that you are fit to donate.
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Eligibility criteria
Age, weight, fitness, hydration: the criteria checked before every donation.
Eligibility criteria
The criteria checked during the medical interview, before every donation.
Between 18 and 65. The medical interview confirms your fitness at every donation.
Yes: you must weigh at least 50 kg. This threshold protects the donor.
Certainly not. Have a light meal before coming and drink water before and after the donation.
You must be in good physical shape: no fever, no ongoing infection and no extreme fatigue.
No: do not drink alcohol in the hours before your donation.
Waiting
periods
Some situations postpone a donation without ever excluding you permanently.
You can donate 6 months after giving birth.
Wait 4 months after the tattoo or piercing.
Wait 4 months after the operation.
Wait until you have fully recovered: you can only donate in good physical shape.
How often to donate
The number of donations allowed per year and the interval between two donations.
Up to 4 donations a year, i.e. one donation every 3 months.
Up to 3 donations a year, i.e. one donation every 4 months.
Platelet donation by apheresis (only the platelets are collected, the other blood components are returned to you) is available in some centres, on the recommendation of our medical teams. Ask at your nearest centre.
Donation
day
About 40 minutes, including 8 to 10 minutes of collection, under medical supervision.
An identity document and, if you have one, your donor card. A medical questionnaire is handed to you at reception.
About 40 minutes in total: reception and questionnaire (5 min), medical interview (10 min), collection (8 to 10 min), then a snack and a mandatory rest (15 min).
All equipment is sterile and single-use. The procedure is performed by a qualified health worker, with maximum safety.
Yes, after the donation: 1,000 F for new donors at fixed sites, 2,000 F for regular donors, 1,000 F for new and returning donors at mobile sites.
Not sure whether you can donate?
Only the medical interview, held before every donation, can decide.
Our team answers your questions before you come.