.jpg)
The Children's National Blood Donor Center looks forward to implementing the new FDA guidance requiring an individual donor assessment (IDA) approach for donor screening process and new gender-inclusive questions for all individuals to determine blood donor eligibility. Due to an extensive computer system upgrade, we anticipate implementing the new IDA eligibility criteria in January of 2024. We realize that other regional blood centers have implemented the new guidance. We appreciate your patience and remain incredibly grateful to donors and prospective donors of all ages and backgrounds who understand the importance of life-saving blood donations and welcome them to our center.
COVID 19 vaccination: There is no waiting period after receiving a vaccine against COVID-19. Some people may have soreness, chills, low-grade fever and/or muscle aches after the shot. This is normal and is due to the immune system recognizing the vaccine. If you have symptoms, please wait until you have fully recovered before donating blood.
Past European residence: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed some of the eligibility criteria for blood donation in 2022. Deferral rules with respect to past European residence (previously linked to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) were removed. As a result, some donors who were previously ineligible to donate may now be eligible. Our blood donor center implemented these new criteria at the end of September 2022.
Notice for platelet donors: Effective June 22, 2021, donors who have had a splenectomy (spleen removal) will not be eligible to donate platelets on our apheresis instruments (Trima Accel) due to a software change.
We recommend checking the further eligibility criteria page for more information prior to making an appointment.
Below is a brief overview of common temporary or permanent reasons that may prevent blood donation.