There are certain eligibility guidelines that a donor must follow before deciding to donate. These guidelines are approved by US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for all countries.

However, you may ask for details about blood donation and the eligibility criteria from your nearest blood donation centre. The guidelines listed here are to assist you to determine if you are eligible to be a blood donor.

• Age

To give blood to another person, you must at least 17 years old and weigh 50 kgs and not have donated blood for the past eight weeks.

The upper age limit for donating blood is 65 years old, provided you are medically fit and have no major illnesses.

• Pregnant and Nursing

If you are pregnant or nursing, you are not eligible to donate blood. Since part of your blood is being used to sustain your baby, donating blood is not an option.

You can resume donating blood six weeks after giving birth.

• Menstruation

Your menses will have no affect whatsoever on your eligibility to donate blood. Menstrual blood is basically your uterine lining shedding.

So as long as you are feeling well, it is okay to donate blood during your periods.

• Anaemia

If you are anaemic, you cannot donate blood because of your body's inability to produce blood. A normal adult's body contains 4.5 litres of blood. Anything below that is considered anaemic.

This will be determined when you go for blood donation. Before you donate blood, you will have to undergo a blood test to eliminate any possible problems. This also includes a test for anaemia.

• Infectious Diseases

If you have fever, common cold or any other infection wait until you have recovered completely before donating blood.

If you happen to take antibiotics for the infection, wait for the entire course of medication to finish.