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Restrictions on Donating Blood

The following information is Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank’s (CPBB) policy regarding donor eligibility for blood drives and satellite Donor Centers. For donor eligibility at hospital donor center contact the hospital of your choice for their policy. These are the most common areas of concern; if you need further information, please call 717-566-6161 or 1-800-771-0059.

Asthma
Donation is permitted if the donor is symptom free. Inhalers and non-steroid oral medications are acceptable.

Blood Pressure
There are no restrictions for blood pressure medication, however, blood pressure must be within our acceptable range.

Cancer
Skin Cancer:  A history of basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer is acceptable.  Melanoma skin cancer may be acceptable - please contact CPBB to review.  Individuals with a history of melanoma (other than skin cancer), lymphoma or leukemia are permanently deferred.  Those with a history of other types of cancer please contact CPBB for up to date information.

Diabetes
There is no restriction as long as diabetes is controlled by diet, oral medication or insulin injections.

Ear Piercing or Cartilage Piercing
Acceptable when done in a sterile environment. Non-sterile, defer for 12 months.

Heart Attacks / Heart Disease
Anyone who has had a cardiac event will be referred to an area hospital to donate.

Hepatitis
Donors who have had hepatitis are permanently deferred. Donors who have been in close personal contact with someone with hepatitis are deferred for 12 months.

Malaria
Contact the CPBB for up-to-date information.

Medication
Contact the CPBB for up-to-date information.

Pregnancy
There is a 6-week waiting period after a normal vaginal delivery or a C-section. There are no restrictions on nursing mothers (i.e. breastfeeding).

Surgery
Contact the CPBB for deferral time for a specific surgery.

Tattooing / Body Piercing
There is a 12-week deferral after tattooing or body piercing.

Travel (Outside the United States)
Contact the CPBB for up-to-date information.

Contact Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank at:
1-800-771-0059