To ensure your health and well-being, you are encouraged to come forward and make a blood donation only if you: 

• Are between 16 and 60 years old;
• Weigh at least 45 kg;
• Have a haemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dl;
• Are in generally good health;
• Have not had any symptoms of infection for at least 1 week e.g. sore throat, cough, runny nose, diarrhea; and
• Have not had a fever in the last 3 weeks.

In addition to the above requirements, apheresis donors should also:

• Weigh more than 50 kg;
• Be at least 18 years old;
• Cannot be more than 50 years old (for new apheresis donors only);
• Have donated blood at least once before; and
• Have arm veins of a suitable size.

Meet the above requirements? There are other factors you need to consider before giving blood, however.