Who can donate blood in Canada?

To donate blood in Canada, you must:

* Be at least 17 years old (with parental consent if you are 17 years old)

* Weigh at least 50 kg (110 lbs)

* Be in generally good health

* Not have any health conditions or risk factors that would prevent you from donating blood, such as:

* Cancer

* Heart disease

* Diabetes

* High blood pressure

* Anemia

* HIV

* Hepatitis B or C

* Syphilis

* Gonorrhea

* Chlamydia

* Active tuberculosis

* Recent travel to certain countries where malaria or yellow fever is present

You may also be temporarily ineligible to donate blood if you have:

* Had a cold, flu, or sore throat within the past 2 weeks

* Had a tattoo or piercing within the past 6 months

* Been vaccinated within the past 48 hours

* Donated blood within the past 56 days

* Are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you have any questions about your eligibility to donate blood, you can talk to a doctor or a staff member at a Canadian Blood Services clinic.