Blood Donation and Safety

A minimum weight and age limit apply to protect donors. Moreover, women should not donate blood more than three times a year, men no more than four times in one year. Other medical tests at the donation venue and a questionnaire ensure that blood can be collected safely. 

Protecting patients 

For the protection of patients, there are also criteria disqualifying persons from donation temporarily or indefinitely. These include, for instance, taking certain medications, surgery, a recently acquired piercing or tattoo, or feeling unwell in the recent past (fever, cold, stomach/digestive problems).