Subtitle: Clear, evidence-based donor selection rules and deferral guidelines every clinician and examiner should know.

Author: PathologyMCQ Editorial Team

Category: Transfusion Medicine / General Pathology

Read time: ~7 minutes

At a glance

• Core donor eligibility: age, weight, hemoglobin, vitals (quick checklist).
• Temporary vs permanent deferrals: key timeframes and red flags.
• Practical exam pearls + 10 Robbins-level MCQs with explanations.

Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Blood Donation Criteria
• 3. Deferral Rules
• 4. Why These Criteria Matter
• 5. 10 Robbins-Level MCQs
• 6. Key Takeaways
• 7. Recommended Learning
• 8. References

1. Introduction

Blood donation forms the backbone of modern transfusion medicine. Safe donor selection prevents transfusion-transmitted infections, ensures high-quality blood components, and protects donors from adverse events. National and international guidelines (WHO, AABB, NACO) specify eligibility criteria based on physiology, epidemiology, and evidence-based transfusion safety.

2. Blood Donation Criteria

Eligibility ensures donor safety and protects recipients. These criteria are standardized globally.

General Eligibility

• Age: 18–65 years
• Weight: ≥ 55 kg (India), ≥ 50 kg globally
• Hemoglobin:
  • Men ≥ 13.0 g/dL
  • Women ≥ 12.5 g/dL
• Pulse: 60–100/min
• Blood Pressure:
  • Systolic 110–140 mmHg
  • Diastolic 60–90 mmHg
• Temperature: < 37.5°C
• Donation Interval:
  • Whole blood → 12 weeks
  • Platelets → 48 hours (up to 24/year)
  • Plasma → every 2 weeks

Pre-Donation Requirements

• No fever, infection, or antibiotics in last 14 days
• No alcohol in past 24 hours
• Not fasting; must have eaten within 3 hours
• Not pregnant, lactating < 12 months, or postpartum < 6 months

3. Deferral Rules (Temporary & Permanent)

Deferrals prevent unsafe donations due to infection risks or medical instability.

Temporary Deferral

• Fever or infection → 14 days after recovery
• Antibiotics → 14 days
• Dental extraction → 3 days
• Tattoo/Piercing → 3 months
• Surgery → 3–6 months
• Travel to malaria-endemic areas → 3 months
• Live vaccines → 28 days

Permanent Deferral

• HIV, HBV, HCV positivity
• IV drug use
• High-risk sexual behavior
• Cancer (except cured basal cell carcinoma)
• Chronic renal failure
• Severe heart disease

4. Why These Criteria Matter

Blood donation criteria protect:

Donors

• Prevents anemia and hypovolemic syncope
• Ensures hemodynamic stability
• Avoids complications from underlying illnesses

Recipients

• Reduces risk of HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, malaria
• Ensures blood product quality (RBC, platelets, plasma)
• Improves transfusion safety and outcomes

Systems

• Enhances public trust
• Ensures standardized national blood supply
• Reduces burden on screening labs by stopping unsafe donations early

5. High- yield MCQS

6. Key Takeaways

• Donor selection is the first and strongest barrier to transfusion-transmitted infections.
• Minimum requirements: age 18–65, Hb ≥12.5 g/dL (women), weight ≥50–55 kg.
• Tattoos, vaccines, and minor illnesses → temporary deferral.
• HIV/HBV/HCV, malignancy, IV drug use → permanent deferral.
• Safety of both donors and recipients depends on strict adherence to these criteria.

7. Recommended learning

8. References

1. WHO. Blood Donor Selection: Guidelines on Assessing Donor Suitability.
2. AABB Technical Manual, 20th Edition.
3. NACO Blood Donation Guidelines.
4. CDC Blood Safety Recommendations.
5. Harmening DM. Modern Blood Banking & Transfusion Practices.