Can I donate blood if I have HIV?
What this means
- A positive HIV test means you are not eligible to donate.
- This protects patients who receive transfusions.
- You can still host a drive, bring a friend, and share resources.
What to do next
Consider other ways to help, such as organizing or promoting a blood drive.
When to call the center: No need to call about donating. Reach out if you want to help in other ways.
Why this rule exists
HIV can be transmitted through blood, so donation is not possible.
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.
Related questions
Our no-monetization pledge
BloodBanker does not use affiliate links, paid rankings, or ads on mission pages. We do not sell donor health information. We link to official donation organizations so people can donate safely and locally.
Read the full pledgeSources 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.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence