What are some things that may disqualify a donor from giving blood?

"I understand that donors are often frustrated about long questionnaires and sharing personal informatio. However, protecting both donors and future recipients is a top priority for us as blood bank lab technicians. A few examples of reasons a donor may disqualified include those who have signs or symptoms of hepatitis caused by a virus, or unexplained jaundice ,anyone who has ever tested positive for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, any man who has had sex with another man within the previous 12 months, people with clotting disorders and are taking anticoagulant therapy."

There are guidelines and donor criteria that must be met for a person to donate blood. Understanding the reasons that someone may not be able to donate blood is important for a blood bank lab tech as you may need to explain to a potential donor why he or she cannot donate.

"If a potential donor has a history of bleeding problems, he will be asked additional questions. If blood does not clot normally, one should not donate. There is an increased risk of excessive bleeding where the needle was placed. For the same reason, potential donors who are taking anticoagulants cannot give blood."