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Can I donate blood if I take blood thinners?

Call the center first
Quick answerIt depends on the medication. Anticoagulants such as warfarin and the newer oral blood thinners usually mean a temporary deferral, often a few days after your last dose.

What this means

  • Prescription anticoagulants generally require a short wait after stopping, set by the center.
  • Never stop a prescribed blood thinner just to donate. Talk to your prescriber first.
  • Low-dose aspirin is handled separately and does not affect whole blood donation.

What to do next

Call the center with the exact medication name so they can advise on timing.

When to call the center: Always call before scheduling if you take a prescription blood thinner.

If you need to wait

Often a short wait after your last dose, confirmed by the center.

Exact timing is confirmed by the center. Set a reminder so you do not have to track it.

Set a return reminder

Why this rule exists

Blood thinners affect clotting and platelet function, which matters for your safety and for the donation.

By donation type: Platelet donation has stricter timing because the medication can affect platelet quality.

This is general educational guidance, not a final eligibility decision. Donation centers make final eligibility decisions during confidential screening. Rules may vary by center, donation type, location, and current policy.

Were you already turned away for this reason? See the comeback plan

Find a place to donate

Search by city, ZIP, state, or center name, or use your location to see the closest centers.

Centers near meCheck general eligibilitySee what to expect

Related questions

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Sources and review

The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.

Last reviewed:
Next review due:
Reviewed by:
Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
Confidence:
High confidence