Eligibility

The topics listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions by our donors concerning eligibility. If you have more specific questions, please call us at 1-800-798-4208 or Click Here to send us an email.

Acne Meds
Accutane defers a donor for 30 days after last dose

AIDS
Permanently disqualified

Allergies
O.K. to donate. Medication or shots O.K.

Blood Pressure
Must be within acceptable limits. Most medications are acceptable, but must reviewed by SCBB collection staff

Cancer
Melanoma, leukemia, lymphoma are permanent deferrals. All other forms of cancer are deferred for 5 years. There is no deferral for Basal Cell Skin cancer

Diabetes
Diabetics, if well controlled by oral medication or insulin are allowed to donate

Heart Disease
Chest pain - Donor will be evaluated by collection staff
Mitral Valve - Donor is eligible if symptom-free
Heart Cath - Donor is deferred for 6 months
Angioplasty - Donor is deferred for 12 months
Cardio Vascular Surgery - Open heart surgery Donor is deferred for 18 months

Viral Hepatitis
(Yellow Jaundice) O.K. if before age 11. If after 11th birthday, permanently deferred

Hepatitis Exposure
If Donor is symptom-free for 12 months, they may donate

Medications
Aspirin, birth control pills, antihistamines, and thyroid medications will not disqualify the donor. Most medications are not a problem. Our staff will need to document the exact name of your medications on your donor card each time you donate.

Menstruation
O.K. to donate. The donor should use her own discretion

Pregnancy
The Donor will be eligible to donate 6 weeks after the end of the pregnancy

Tattoos/Piercings
If you have recieved a tattoo in the previous 12 months from an inspected and licensed facility (using a single-use ink and sterile needle) in Iowa, South Dakota, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Oregon, or Texas and you can confirm the tattoo was received in a licensed facility in one of these states, you may donate. If the tattoo was not received in one of these states or in a non-regulated facility, you will be deferred for 12 months following the date of tattoo applications.

Travel Outside the US
Need to be able to list areas of travel and dates. Each will be evaluated due to location and restrictions that apply. Some specific areas that need to be evaluated are the United Kingdom, European Countries and Mexico.

Athletic Activity
Donors need to be aware that peak performance during competiion the day of donation may be altered

Vaccinations
Hepatitis - 1 day wait
Chicken Pox - 2 week wait
MMR - 4 week wait
Flu Shot - No wait
Oral Polio - 2 week wait