I'm 16, live in california, and want to participate in the school blood drive this week for the red cross..
height: 5'1''
weight: 103-5 ish
medical history: normal, but a few fainting spells
sicknesses: none
age: 16
bmi: 19.2
body fat % : 9%
sooo... am i qualified to give blood? if not, how do I become qualified?
(also, I've been to both China and Mexico within the past year.. does that affect my blood-giving ability?)
2007-04-01 14:39:51 · 8 answers · asked by brubabe 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
No, you're not qualified yet. You have to be seventeen (with a parent's permission) or eighteen (without permission). You also have to be a solid 105 pounds, I think, although it might be as high as 110. If you've had fainting spells, it's also possible you may be anemic. If you are, they won't take your blood. However, they test a drop of your blood for that before you start, so it's not something you need to know in advance.
Try again next year and thanks for your eagerness to help others!
2007-04-01 14:48:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They will test your hemoglobin, which is the oxygen carrying cell in yuor blood. If it is a certain number, then you may safely donate. Because of your size, they will take a smaller amount from you to protect you from passing out. If you donated this past year without issues, then you should be fine. Although you shouldn't donate more frequently than every 3 months, because your body has to regenerate the blood you lost.
Eating a meal high in protein that day may also be of benefit to you.
I don't know about California law, but I don't beleive the Red Cross has any specific "qualifications."
Thank you for saving lives!!
2007-04-01 14:50:38 · answer #2 · answered by Karen W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK the visiting china and Mexico doesn't affect it at all (duh!=))but your medical history does I'm only nine (almost ten) and not a doctor but i want to be and I'd say your qualified why did you faint?
2007-04-02 03:31:52 · answer #3 · answered by clograceclo123 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to go through a huge questionnaire before they let you give blood. Visiting a country isn't a risk factor, living in certain countries can be.
You know the needle is huge, right? It's not like the needle they use to draw a blood sample, think garden hose.
2007-04-01 14:50:56 · answer #4 · answered by I Like Stories 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should be able to give blood. as long as you haven't lived in england for longer than a month.
2007-04-01 15:39:25 · answer #5 · answered by <3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your mom or dad (your guardian) will have to sign a waiver...but they will give u one at school, just ask for one when they talk about the blood drive
2007-04-01 14:47:49 · answer #6 · answered by annie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in Canada you have to be 17... not sure about the states
2007-04-01 14:49:16 · answer #7 · answered by stephanie p 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't see anything wrong with where you've been and as long as you don't use drugs they would take your blood happily,,,,a great gift to give
2007-04-01 14:48:51 · answer #8 · answered by Dodgegirl62 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋