Donors ordinarily may give no more than 525 ml of whole blood within an 8 week period. Whole blood donation must be deferred for at least 48 hours after hemapheresis. A blood bank physician must examine any donor who has given whole blood within the preceding 8 weeks. Serious conditions involving the heart, lung or kidney may preclude the donation. It is important to know the nature of the problem and whether the condition is still active.
Most cancers are reason for deferment.
Certain cases such as localized skin cancer or carcinoma in -situ of the cervix do not disqualify a donor. Leukemia and lymphoma cases are permanently deferred. Individuals with a bleeding problem require special care following donation. Persons who have had any of the problems mentioned above should be evaluated by a qualified blood bank physician before being accepted as blood donors. Many individuals who are under a doctors care may donate blood.