Top 10 Excuses for

    Not Giving Blood 

1. I just got a tattoo or piercing.

• If you recieved your tattoo or piercing at a licensed Oregon facility you are still eligible to donate blood with Lane Blood Center.

2. I’m anemic or have low iron.

• Unless your doctor has diagnosed you as anemic, chances are good that your iron is fine. Iron levels fluctuate, especially during menstruation. Please try again! For more information about iron click here.

3. I’m scared of needles.

• No one likes needles but many people are willing to get tattoos and piercings anyway. The pain from the needle prick during donation only lasts for a second but the rewards last a lifetime. Every blood donation can save 3 lives! Isn’t that a pretty good reason to get over your fear?

4. I don’t have time.

• Schedules are hectic but the entire donation process usually takes less than 45 minutes every 8 weeks. What better way to volunteer your time and pay it forward. We are open as early as 8am and as late as 6pm. We offer Saturday collection hours and the bloodmobile routinely serves most Lane County communities and neighbohoods.

5. I’m too young/old to give blood.

• As long as you’re at least 16 years old and have photo ID with your proof of birth date, you’re old enough to help save a life! There is no upper age limit for blood donation at Lane Blood Center.

6. I’ve been out of the country.

• Most travel is fine. If you’ve traveled to a malaria area you will be deferred from donating blood for 1 year from the date of your return. Call to speak with a nurse about international travel and you’ll have your answer within a few short minutes.

7. I don’t weigh enough.

• This is a great excuse to gain a little weight! You need to weigh at least 110 pounds to give blood. There is no upper weight limit.

 8. You don’t need my blood type.

• We need all blood types! All blood types are needed all the time; some are more common than others and are therefore needed in larger quantities. See our blog on blood types for more information.

9. I’m on medication.

• Most medications don’t defer you from donating blood. Birth control pills, vitamins, allergy medications, hormone replacement therapies, medications for depression and blood pressure medications are all fine. Diabetes that is controlled without the use of insulin is fine too. Blood thinners such as Coumodin will defer you from donating blood. If you have specific medication questions please call to speak with a nurse.

10. I don’t have enough blood.

• As long as you meet the weight requirement you do have enough blood. The average adult has 10-12 pints of blood in their body. We take only one. Your blood regenerates quickly; taking only 24 hours to replace the volume of liquid and a few weeks to regenerate the red blood cells. As long as you eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to your donation you should feel fine. Drinking extra fluids after your donation will help your body replace the fluids you lost.