Donor Eligibility
This section offers some common guidelines to help you determine whether you are eligible to donate blood or platelets. Any questions regarding donor eligibility should be referred to the Inland Northwest Blood Center’s Donor and Patient Services Department for evaluation by calling (509) 624-0151 or (800) 423-0151.
Individuals who are in good health and can meet the general eligibility criteria are likely able to donate.
- Donors need to be at least 16 years old (16 and 17 year old donors need their parent or legal guardian to review the Information About Blood Donation For Parents and Students, complete the INBC Minor Donor Consent form, and the minor brings the completed consent form to their donation). There is no upper age limit for a donation.
- For whole blood: Donors need to be at least 110 pounds (16 and 17 year old donors must weigh at least 120 pounds and be at least 5’4” tall).
- For double red blood cells: Male donors need to be at least 130 pounds and at least 5’1” tall (16 and 17 year old donors must weigh at least 130 pounds and be at least 5’4” tall). Female donors need to be at least 150 pounds and at least 5’5” tall (age 16 and older).
Additional qualifications may apply for each donation type.
Common Reasons for Donor Deferral:
- You have a cold or flu symptoms or do not feel well on the day of donation
- You have visited an area with malarial risk in the last 12 months
- You have a history of hepatitis after age 11 or a history of a positive test for Hepatitis B or C
- You have used needles to inject non-prescription or street drugs
- You have risk factors for the spread of HIV or AIDS
- You have a blood relative with CJD
If you have any questions related to these common deferrals feel free to call INBC at 800-423-0151 and specify that you are inquiring about donor deferral.
