pass the trait down to your children. The Red Cross is currently providing sickle cell trait screening on all blood donations from self-identified African American donors. Results are available within one to two weeks of your donation through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
The good news, however, is that even if you have the sickle cell trait, you are still eligible to donate blood.
4. There are a few restrictions on who can donate
“We are really focused on ensuring that our donors are healthy, but there are very few restrictions,” Dr. Miller says.
Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Before you are able to donate, the phlebotomist will check your cardiovascular health (i.e., blood pressure, pulse, hemoglobin, iron, etc.) to make sure it is safe for you to donate.
In many cases, something as simple as drinking too much caffeine before your appointment can elevate your blood pressure. In this case, you will be given a one-day deferral and asked to return the next day, Dr. Miller notes.
RELATED: Surprising Health Benefits Of Donating Blood
5. You can donate if you are on medication
“Donors who are taking blood pressure medications are acceptable as blood donors. There are very few medications that restrict a person from donating blood,” Dr. Miller adds.
If you have concerns about whether or not it is safe to donate under a medication you are taking, you can visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS and a medical officer can help you determine if it is safe for you to donate.
6. Most Blacks naturally have a lower hemoglobin level
“For most African Americans – our normal hemoglobin is on the low end of the scale,” according to Dr. Miller.
Because the FDA has specific eligibility requirements in terms of hemoglobin, (women must have a minimum hemoglobin level of