Before you spend time traveling to a plasma donation center, it's crucial to know: Will my medical condition or medication disqualify me from donating plasma? This comprehensive guide covers over 200 medical conditions and medications that can affect your eligibility.
Medical eligibility is the #1 reason people are turned away from plasma centers. By understanding the requirements ahead of time, you can save yourself disappointment and wasted trips while ensuring your safety during the donation process.
🔍 How Medical Screening Works at Plasma Centers
The 3-Step Medical Review Process
Step 1: Health History Questionnaire
- Complete medical history review
- Current medications and supplements
- Recent illnesses and surgeries
- Travel history and lifestyle factors
- Family medical history (if relevant)
Time: 15-20 minutes
Step 2: Physical Examination
- Vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature)
- Physical appearance and alertness assessment
- Arm vein examination for donation suitability
- Weight and height verification
- Basic neurological assessment
Time: 10-15 minutes
Step 3: Laboratory Testing
- Protein levels (minimum 6.0 g/dL)
- Hematocrit (38% female, 40% male minimum)
- Infectious disease screening (HIV, Hepatitis, etc.)
- Blood typing and Rh factor
- Additional tests as medically indicated
Time: 5-10 minutes (results in 24-48 hours)
Who Makes the Final Decision?
All medical eligibility decisions are made by licensed medical professionals - typically physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. Center staff cannot override medical decisions, and donors have the right to request a second medical opinion.
🚫 Permanent Disqualifications (Cannot Donate)
Infectious Diseases (Permanent)
- HIV/AIDS: Any positive test or diagnosis
- Hepatitis B: Chronic carriers or positive surface antigen
- Hepatitis C: Any positive antibody test (even if cured)
- HTLV-I/II: Human T-lymphotropic virus
- Syphilis: Reactive test results
- Chagas Disease: Trypanosoma cruzi infection
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Or family history of CJD
Cancer History (Most Types)
- Blood cancers: Leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
- Solid organ cancers: Lung, liver, kidney, pancreatic cancers
- Metastatic cancers: Any cancer that has spread
- Melanoma: Malignant skin cancer
Exceptions: Some localized skin cancers (basal cell, squamous cell) may be acceptable after successful treatment and medical clearance.
Organ Transplants and Implants
- Organ transplants: Any solid organ transplant
- Bone marrow transplant: Or stem cell transplant
- Tissue transplants: Cornea, bone, skin grafts from donors
- Xenotransplantation: Animal-to-human transplants
Exceptions: Synthetic implants (hip replacements, pacemakers) are generally acceptable.
Severe Heart Conditions
- Heart failure: Congestive heart failure (any stage)
- Recent heart attack: Myocardial infarction within 6 months
- Unstable angina: Chest pain at rest or worsening
- Severe arrhythmias: Life-threatening rhythm disorders
- Cardiomyopathy: Enlarged or weakened heart muscle
⏰ Temporary Disqualifications (Wait Period Required)
Recent Illnesses and Infections
Common Infections (1-2 weeks after recovery):
- COVID-19: 10 days after symptom resolution + negative test
- Flu/Cold: 1 week after fever-free without medication
- Strep throat: 1 week after completing antibiotics
- Urinary tract infection: 1 week after completing treatment
- Bacterial infections: 2 weeks after completing antibiotics
Gastrointestinal Issues (2-4 weeks):
- Food poisoning: 2 weeks after complete recovery
- Viral gastroenteritis: 2 weeks symptom-free
- Bacterial gastroenteritis: 4 weeks after treatment completion
- Traveler's diarrhea: 2-4 weeks depending on cause
Medical Procedures and Surgeries
Surgical Procedures:
- Minor surgery: 2 weeks (outpatient procedures)
- Major surgery: 4-6 weeks (inpatient procedures)
- Dental procedures: 1-3 days (cleanings, fillings)
- Oral surgery: 1-2 weeks (extractions, root canals)
- Cosmetic procedures: 2-4 weeks depending on invasiveness
Diagnostic Procedures:
- Endoscopy/Colonoscopy: 2 weeks
- Biopsy: 2-4 weeks depending on location
- Cardiac catheterization: 2 weeks
- Bronchoscopy: 2 weeks
- Bone marrow biopsy: 4 weeks
💊 Comprehensive Medication Guide (A-Z)
This section covers 200+ commonly prescribed medications and their impact on plasma donation eligibility. Medications are categorized by their effect on donation eligibility.
A - Antibiotics and Anti-Infectives
Amoxicillin
Status: ⏸️ 1 week after completion
Reason: Must finish course and be infection-free
Azithromycin (Z-pack)
Status: ⏸️ 1 week after completion
Reason: Ensures infection resolution
Ciprofloxacin
Status: ⏸️ 2 weeks after completion
Reason: Usually prescribed for serious infections
Doxycycline
Status: ⏸️ 1 week after completion
Reason: Must be off medication and symptom-free
B - Blood Pressure and Heart Medications
Lisinopril (ACE inhibitor)
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: Blood pressure must be controlled
Metoprolol (Beta blocker)
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: Heart rate and BP stable
Amlodipine (Calcium channel blocker)
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: Well-controlled blood pressure
C - Cholesterol and Diabetes Medications
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: Regular monitoring by physician
Metformin
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: Well-controlled diabetes
Insulin
Status: ✅ Acceptable with conditions
Requirements: Stable glucose, no recent episodes
Glipizide
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: No hypoglycemic episodes
D - Depression and Mental Health Medications
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: Stable dose, no recent changes
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: Mental health stable
Lithium
Status: ⏸️ Case-by-case review
Reason: Requires psychiatric evaluation
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: No seizure history
I - Immunosuppressants and Autoimmune Medications
P - Pain Medications and Controlled Substances
Ibuprofen (Advil)
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: Wait 24 hours after last dose
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Status: ✅ Acceptable
Requirements: No special restrictions
Oxycodone
Status: ⏸️ Medical review required
Reason: Controlled substance, impairment risk
Tramadol
Status: ⏸️ Case-by-case review
Reason: Seizure risk, CNS effects
🏥 Medical Conditions Guide (A-Z)
This comprehensive reference covers common medical conditions and their impact on plasma donation eligibility. Conditions are organized alphabetically for easy reference.
A - Autoimmune and Allergic Conditions
Asthma
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: Well-controlled, no recent hospitalizations
Medications: Inhalers acceptable (albuterol, fluticasone)
Allergies (Environmental)
Status: ✅ Acceptable
Requirements: No active allergic reactions
Medications: Antihistamines acceptable
Autoimmune Disorders
Status: ⏸️ Case-by-case review
Examples: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease
Determining factors: Disease activity, medications, complications
B - Blood and Bleeding Disorders
Anemia
Status: ⏸️ Depends on type and severity
Iron deficiency: May donate if hematocrit ≥38% (F) or 40% (M)
Other types: Medical evaluation required
Blood Clotting Disorders
Status: ❌ Generally disqualifying
Examples: Hemophilia, von Willebrand disease
Reason: Bleeding risk during donation
Blood Thinning Medication Use
Status: ❌ Disqualifying
Examples: Warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban
Exception: Aspirin may be acceptable with medical review
C - Cancer and Chronic Diseases
Cancer (Active Treatment)
Status: ❌ Disqualifying
Includes: Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy
Remission: May be eligible 1+ years post-treatment
Chronic Kidney Disease
Status: ⏸️ Depends on stage
Early stages: May be acceptable with medical clearance
Dialysis: Generally disqualifying
Chronic Liver Disease
Status: ❌ Generally disqualifying
Examples: Cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis
Reason: Affects protein production and blood clotting
D - Diabetes and Endocrine Disorders
Type 1 Diabetes
Status: ✅ Acceptable with conditions
Requirements: Well-controlled, no recent hospitalizations
Insulin use: Acceptable if stable dosing
Type 2 Diabetes
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: HbA1c <10%, no complications
Medications: Most diabetes medications acceptable
Thyroid Disorders
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: Stable thyroid function
Medications: Levothyroxine, methimazole acceptable
H - Heart and Hypertension
High Blood Pressure
Status: ✅ Acceptable if controlled
Limits: <180/100 mmHg on donation day
Medications: Most BP medications acceptable
Heart Disease (Stable)
Status: ⏸️ Case-by-case review
Examples: Previous heart attack, stable angina
Requirements: Cardiologist clearance may be needed
Heart Rhythm Disorders
Status: ⏸️ Depends on type
Atrial fibrillation: May be acceptable if controlled
Pacemaker: Generally acceptable with medical clearance
M - Mental Health and Neurological
Depression/Anxiety
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: Stable mental health, compliant with treatment
Medications: Most antidepressants acceptable
Seizure Disorders
Status: ⏸️ Case-by-case review
Well-controlled: May be acceptable with medical clearance
Recent seizures: Usually disqualifying
Migraines
Status: ✅ Generally acceptable
Requirements: No migraine on donation day
Medications: Most migraine medications acceptable
📋 Pre-Screening Checklist: Avoid Wasted Trips
Use This Checklist Before Your First Visit
✅ Basic Requirements
❌ Automatic Disqualifiers
⏰ Recent Events (Check Wait Periods)
💊 Current Medications
Confidence Assessment
🟢 High Confidence (90%+ approval chance)
All boxes checked, no concerning medications or conditions
🟡 Medium Confidence (70-90% approval chance)
Minor concerns that likely won't disqualify but may need review
🔴 Low Confidence (<70% approval chance)
Multiple concerns or major disqualifying factors present
📞 Medical Deferral Appeal Process
If You're Deferred: Your Rights and Options
Step 1: Understand the Deferral
- Ask for specific reason in writing
- Request reference to specific regulation
- Clarify if deferral is temporary or permanent
- Get timeline for reassessment if applicable
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documentation
- Physician clearance letters
- Recent lab results and test reports
- Medication lists with medical justification
- Treatment compliance documentation
Step 3: Request Medical Director Review
- Submit written appeal with documentation
- Request consultation with center medical director
- Present case for reconsideration
- Ask about conditional approval options
Step 4: Consider Alternative Centers
- Different centers may have different policies
- Get second opinion from another medical director
- Some conditions may be acceptable at other locations
- Keep documentation for future attempts
Tips for Successful Appeals
- Be professional: Present your case calmly and factually
- Provide evidence: Medical documentation strengthens your case
- Show stability: Demonstrate consistent medical management
- Follow up: Check back if new information becomes available
- Be patient: Medical reviews can take several days
👥 Special Populations and Considerations
Elderly Donors (65+)
Age limits: Most centers accept donors up to age 65-69
Additional screening: May require physician clearance
Common concerns: Multiple medications, chronic conditions
Safety considerations: Increased monitoring during donation
College Students
Common issues: Recent illnesses, irregular schedules
Vaccination requirements: Up-to-date immunizations preferred
Mental health: Stress and anxiety generally not disqualifying
Lifestyle factors: Alcohol use within 24 hours may defer
Chronic Disease Patients
Case-by-case: Many chronic conditions are manageable
Stability required: Well-controlled conditions often acceptable
Medication review: Comprehensive evaluation needed
Physician coordination: May need healthcare provider clearance
🚩 Red Flags: When NOT to Donate
Immediate Health Concerns
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Active infection or illness
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Recent fainting or dizziness
- Bleeding or bruising concerns
Medication Red Flags
- Blood thinners or anticoagulants
- Recent antibiotic course
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- High-dose corticosteroids
- Experimental medications
Lifestyle Red Flags
- Alcohol consumption within 24 hours
- Illegal drug use
- High-risk sexual behavior
- Recent travel to risk areas
- Tattoos/piercings within 4 months
Medical History Red Flags
- History of blood-borne infections
- Cancer diagnosis or treatment
- Organ transplant recipient
- Severe heart or lung disease
- Bleeding disorders
Safety First: When in Doubt, Wait
If you're unsure about your eligibility, it's always better to wait and consult with medical professionals rather than risk your health or waste time with a trip to the center. Most conditions that cause temporary deferrals resolve with time.
📚 Sources & References
- FDA - Blood Donor Screening Requirements
- CDC - Blood Safety and Availability
- AABB - Blood Donation Standards
- Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association
- CSL Plasma - Medical Requirements
- BioLife Plasma - Donor Eligibility
Medical eligibility information compiled from FDA regulations, plasma center medical protocols, and industry safety standards. Information verified January 2025.