Remember to take care of yourself!

If you are a first timer you'll want to be prepared by eating a good breakfast in the morning and a good lunch before donating. Drinking fluids during the day is also a very good idea. This is especially important for people near the minimum donor weight of 110 pounds.

Most first timers who prepare their body in advance, have a wonderful experience.

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1st Time Donor Qualification Facts

To become a blood donor you must:

• Be 17 years of age (16 with Parental Consent) or older
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Be in good health
• Be free of cold or flu symptoms

You do not qualify to give blood if:

• You have used needle to take drugs, steroids, or anything not prescribed by your doctor
• You are pregnant or have been pregnant in the last six weeks
• You are taking antibiotics for infection (call 707-545-1222 or e-mail info@bbr.org for detailed information)
• You have had cirrhosis, or hepatitis after age 11
• You have had a positive test for HIV/AIDS, are at risk for HIV/AIDS, or have had sexual contact with anyone at risk for HIV/AIDS
• You have had leukemia, myeloma or lymphoma -- most other types of cancer are only acceptable once treatment is completed, been in remission greater than 1 year with no recurrence, and you can state that you have been in remission for greater than 1 year.

Eligibility quick chart:

Mild cold, flu and sore throat	Cannot donate until symptom-free
Oral antibiotics	For antibiotics, the final dose must have been taken prior to the day of donation and all signs and symptoms must be resolved
Malaria	Cannot donate for 3 years, symptom free and treatment complete
Visit to malaria areas in last 12 months (with/without medication)	Cannot donate for 12 months from date of leaving the malaria area. http://malariamaps.com
Travel to Europe	Call 707-545-1222 or e-mail info@bbr.org
Pregnancy	Cannot donate while pregnant or for 6 weeks from termination/delivery of pregnancy
Cancer	Call 707-545-1222 or e-mail info@bbr.org
Diabetes	Controlled and stable condition can donate. Call 707-545-1222 or e-mail info@bbr.org if insulin used any time since 1980.
HIV/AIDS	Cannot donate
History of any type of hepatitis after age 11	Cannot donate
Contact with someone with hepatitis	Call 707-545-1222 or e-mail info@bbr.org
Tattoo	See detailed PDF here
Ear or body piercing	If sterile procedure in a licensed setting, can donate
Medications	Most medications are not a reason for ineligibility. Call 707-545-1222 or e-mail info@bbr.org for detailed information.