Why can't Europeans give blood in the US?

Europeans (and others) previously couldn't donate blood in the U.S. due to "Mad Cow Disease" (vCJD) fears from time spent in Europe; however, the FDA lifted these long-standing travel/residency restrictions related to vCJD in 2022-2023, making most Europeans who were previously deferred eligible to donate, provided they meet other standard requirements.

Why can't you donate blood if you were in Europe?

Since 1999, the FDA had prohibited donations from these individuals out of fear they could transmit variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), commonly referred to as mad cow disease. But after extensive research and reassessment, the FDA determined the risk is now negligible.

Why can't British people donate blood in the US?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has imposed a ban on blood donations from anyone who has spent more than six months in Britain from 1980 to 1997 because of the possible risk of transmitting the human form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD).

Can you give blood after going to Mexico?

If you travel to Mexico during the 3-year waiting period, you must wait 3 years from the date of returning from Mexico. Once you have been in the United States for 3 years without travel to Mexico, you can travel to Mexico on occasion and would only be deferred from donating if you visited a region with malaria.

Who cannot donate blood in the USA?

In the U.S., you generally can't donate blood if you have certain infections (HIV, Hepatitis B/C), used non-prescribed IV drugs, have a history of certain cancers, have specific CJD-related conditions (like dura mater transplants), or have recently had certain medical procedures/illnesses, but many temporary issues (colds, high blood pressure) and some chronic conditions (controlled diabetes) allow donation, with rules constantly evolving, so always check with organizations like the American Red Cross or your local blood center for specifics.
 

Why British People Can't Donate Blood in America

Who saved 2.4 million babies with his blood?

James Harrison, whose blood donations saved over 2 million babies, has died. Australia's most prolific blood and plasma donor, James Harrison, has died at age 88. Known as the "Man with the Golden Arm," Harrison is credited with saving the lives of 2.4 million babies over the course of more than half a century.

What countries disqualify you from giving blood?

Blood donation travel restrictions primarily involve deferrals for potential exposure to diseases like Malaria, Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Chagas disease, with wait times varying from weeks to years depending on the country, duration of travel, and specific risk, especially in regions like Africa, South/Central America, and parts of Asia. Always check with your local blood center (like the Red Cross, Canadian Blood Services, or Welsh Blood Service) as rules differ, but Malaria risk areas often require a 3-month wait, while tropical virus zones might need 21-28 days. 

Can you make $1000 a month donating plasma?

Paid plasma collection in the U.S. can bring in $30 to $70 per donation — and sometimes more. With incentives, some people can make $400 or more per month. Committed repeat donors who give twice a week (the maximum frequency) can earn up to $1,000 a month, depending on the plasma center.

Does Mexico have a blood bank?

The National Blood Transfusion Center has the largest Cord blood bank in Mexico, called CordMX. The Cord Blood Bank was created in 2003 and it had become an Associate Member of NetCord in January 2006.

Can you donate blood in the US if you lived in Germany?

You are now eligible to give blood. Previously, if you were stationed for more than six months in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands from 1980-90, or Greece, Turkey, Spain, Portugal or Italy from 1980-96, you could not donate blood.

Can you fly after donating blood?

Yes, you can generally fly after donating blood, but it's wise to wait, especially for pilots, as dizziness or fatigue from blood loss can affect safety at altitude; the standard recommendation is often 24 hours for regular donations, with longer waits (48-72 hours) for large volume donations or if you feel unwell, and it's crucial to stay hydrated and avoid heavy lifting. 

Why are people denied to donate blood?

Permanent Reasons People Can't Donate

Have ever had a positive test for HIV (AIDS virus) Are a hemophiliac. Had viral hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Had certain forms of cancer (contact us regarding medical eligibility at 800.688.

Can I give blood if I lived in Germany in the 1980s?

Yes, you can likely donate blood now, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lifted the "mad cow disease" deferral for those who lived in Germany (and other parts of Europe) during the 1980s and 90s, making people previously ineligible due to military service or residency eligible again as of 2020-2022. The previous ban was for concerns about variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), but the risk is now considered negligible, so you should be able to donate if you meet all other standard health requirements. 

Can I give blood to a mad cow?

Yes, in most cases, you can now give blood even if you were previously deferred for "Mad Cow Disease" (vCJD) due to travel or residency in Europe, as the FDA lifted these bans for the U.K., France, and Ireland, removing the risk for donors who lived there. The FDA determined the risk of transmitting this rare brain disease through blood transfusions is no longer a concern, allowing many veterans, military members, and civilians to donate, provided they meet other eligibility criteria. 

What is the downside of donating plasma?

The main downsides of donating plasma are minor, temporary physical effects like fatigue, dizziness, and bruising, due to fluid loss and needle insertion, plus the time commitment for donation sessions. More serious, though rare, risks include temporary calcium depletion (tingling) or, with very frequent donation, potential drops in immunoglobulin levels, which might affect immunity, requiring proper hydration, nutrition, and rest to manage. 

Do you get $100 every time you donate plasma?

Most people that meet the basic donor eligibility criteria can become a qualified donor. After each donation, your compensation will be loaded on your payment card. A qualified donor can donate plasma twice in every 7 days period at the most. You will receive up to $100 per donation.

Does BioLife really pay $800 for plasma?

New Donors Get up to $800*!

*Based on center location. Terms & conditions apply.

Can I give blood if I traveled to Mexico?

Traveling outside of the United States will not automatically defer you from giving blood, however there are temporary restrictions placed on donors who have visited countries with a high risk of Malaria, and from time to time other infectious diseases.

Can Muslims give blood?

Yes, Muslims can and often do give blood, as it's widely considered a highly rewarded act of charity (sadaqah) in Islam, permissible under conditions that ensure donor safety, necessity for the recipient, and no monetary gain, aligning with Islamic principles of saving lives and compassion. Donating blood is seen as saving humanity and brings significant spiritual rewards, especially for those in desperate need, but it must be voluntary and not harm the donor. 

What cultures don't accept blood?

The primary group that refuses blood transfusions due to religious beliefs are Jehovah's Witnesses, who interpret biblical passages to forbid consuming or receiving blood, even in life-threatening situations, though they may accept blood fractions. While some other faith groups, like Christian Scientists, might avoid blood, Jehovah's Witnesses have the most explicit and well-known doctrine against transfusions, viewing them as a serious religious offense.
 

Who has golden blood?

Golden blood, or Rh-null blood, belongs to fewer than 50 people worldwide and is incredibly rare because it lacks all Rh antigens (proteins) on red blood cells, making it a valuable "universal" donor for others with rare Rh types but dangerous for the owner to receive transfusions from. First identified in an Australian Aboriginal woman in 1961, these individuals are crucial for medicine, often tracked in special registries. 

Can I donate if I have a tattoo?

Yes, you can usually donate blood with tattoos, but eligibility depends on where and how you got the tattoo; if it was from a state-regulated shop using sterile needles and single-use ink, you can often donate right away, but if it was from an unregulated source or in certain states (like NY, PA, MA), you'll need to wait 3 months to 4 months to prevent potential risks like hepatitis, though requirements vary by donation center.
 

Why is O blood special?

Type O blood is special because O negative (O-) is the universal red blood cell donor, meaning it can be given to anyone in emergencies, while O positive (O+) is the most common type, benefiting a large portion of the population and being ideal for newborns and frequent transfusions, making both crucial for saving lives despite O- being rare and in high demand.