Blood donation requirements – South Africa checklist
The basic South African blood-donation requirements from SANBS, what staff check on the day and why final eligibility is decided at the centre.
SANBS makes the final eligibility decision
The South African National Blood Service gives basic requirements for whole-blood donors, but a donor-centre team makes the final decision after the health questionnaire and checks. Eligibility can change with illness, medication, travel, procedures, pregnancy or possible infection exposure.
Basic requirements to check first
- First-time donors are generally 16 to 75 years old.
- Weight is at least 50 kg for whole blood; platelet donation has a different minimum.
- You should be in good health and consider your blood safe for transfusion.
- Have eaten a meal within the centre's required period before donating.
- The centre checks donation intervals, pulse, blood pressure and haemoglobin.
Use the current SANBS eligibility information or quiz before travelling, but answer the centre's questions honestly.
Prepare for the donor centre
- Check the current SANBS requirements and bring the requested identification.
- Eat and drink as advised by the service.
- Tell staff about recent illness, travel, procedures, pregnancy, medicines or possible exposure.
- Follow the post-donation rest and fluid advice before leaving.
Do not donate to obtain an HIV test
Common questions
- What are the blood donation requirements in South Africa?
- SANBS lists age, weight, health, lifestyle, recent food and donation-interval requirements, with checks at the centre. Staff make the final eligibility decision.
- Can I donate blood if I take medicine?
- It depends on the medicine, the reason for it and your health. Take the exact medicine information to SANBS and let the donor staff decide.
Sources
- Who can donate blood and donor requirementsSouth African National Blood Service
- The blood donation processSouth African National Blood Service
Last reviewed 26 August 2026.