What are the criteria for becoming a blood donor?

The American Red Cross has established specific criteria for individuals who wish to become blood donors. Primarily, potential donors must be at least sixteen years old in most states, although some exceptions may apply regarding age and parental consent. Additionally, donors should weigh a minimum of one hundred ten pounds to ensure safe donation. Furthermore, individuals must be in good health at the time of donation, which means they should feel well, without any cold, flu, or other illness symptoms. It is also important that donors have not made any recent travel to areas with certain infectious diseases or undergone specific medical procedures that may disqualify them temporarily. The American Red Cross conducts a thorough screening process, including a brief questionnaire about health history and lifestyle, to ensure safety for both the donor and the recipient. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding eligibility, one should consult the current guidelines on the American Red Cross website.