From the Australian Red Cross website about who can donate blood

A blood donor must be in general good health, weigh between 45kg - 120kg and be between 16 (18 in NT and Tasmania) and 70 years of age. If you are between 16 and 18 years you will also need parental consent, except in the ACT. If you require clarification on your weight, please ask to speak to a Medical Officer when phoning 13 14 95.

Reasons for temporary deferrals

There are many reasons for temporary deferrals, these are some of the more common reasons.

You will be temporary deferred if you:



• are pregnant or breast feeding


• have a cold, flu, sore throat or diarrhoea


• have been taken antibiotics in the last 5 days


• had dental work (fillings/cleaning in the last 24 hours and 1 week for root canal treatment)



Reasons for 12 months deferrals

You will not be able to give blood for a period of 12 months after you:


• had a tattoo

• had a blood transfusion


• had any piercing performed with clean, single use disposable equipment (in which case Plasma only can be used)

• have been in prison or lock up

• had male to male sex

• had sex with a prostitute


• had a partner with hepatitis B or C


Reasons for permanent deferrals

Unfortunately, there are some circumstances that will prevent people from giving blood. You will be permanently deferred if you:


• lived in the UK between 1980-1996 for a cumulative period of 6 months or more
• are HIV positive
• injected drugs not prescribed by a doctor or dentist

• have hepatitis B or C
• had open heart surgery

I think the criteria for donating BM is more involved.