Detailed Eligibility
Criteria
To donate, individuals must meet criteria that ensure that their donation is safe.
You can check if you meet the basic criteria by taking our Eligibility Quiz.
Otherwise, keep reading to find a full list of Detailed Eligibility Criteria.
If you have any questions about the following criteria, please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD and ask to speak with a nurse.
Abnormal Heart Beats
If you’ve had abnormal heartbeats and you have been investigated by your doctor or specialist and you do not need any form of treatment, you may be eligible to donate.
If your condition requires ongoing treatment or you have a pacemaker, unfortunately you will not be able to donate.
Accidents
If you have recently had an accident, you must wait:
- 7 days from fully recovering if your injuries did not require medical attention (e.g. minor cuts, scratches and grazes)
- 28 days after recovering from minor injuries
- 3 months after recovering from moderate injuries
- 6 months after recovering from severe injuries.
- 12 months after a blood transfusion.
Acne
If you have active or infected acne, you must wait until it has settled or been treated effectively. If treated with Isotretinoin (Roaccutane), Tretinoin (Retin A) or Adapalene (Differin), you may need to wait 28 days from completing your last dose of treatment. If there is no active acne and no infection and the only ongoing treatment is topical Differin cream, you may be eligible to donate.
If you are being treated with antibiotics, you must wait 7 days from completing your treatment.
Acupuncture
Please wait 12 hours after any acupuncture treatment as long as only sterile single-use (disposable) equipment was used, there is no inflammation present at the site, and the treatment was provided by one of the following:
- registered health staff in a hospital, or a doctor, or
- an acupuncturist who is a member of the NZRA or NZASA, or
- an acupuncturist who is listed on an NZ Blood Service approved register of acupuncturists
If you cannot confirm the use of sterile single-use (disposable) equipment, or you are unsure if it was used; or the treatment was given by a person who is not listed above, you must wait 3 months following your procedure.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
As long as you can understand all the questions being asked on the form, give valid consent and your condition does not affect the donation process, you can donate blood (even if on acceptable medication).
Age
Blood donors:
New blood or plasma donors can make their first donation any time after their 16th birthday and before their 71st birthday.
Existing* donors can donate until their 75th birthday and may continue to donate until their 81st birthday, subject to authorisation from a NZBS Medical Officer.
Lapsed** donors who have passed their 71st birthday may be eligible to donate, subject to authorisation by a NZBS Medical Officer.
*Existing donors – have donated blood within the last 2 years.
**Lapsed donors - are those who have donated before more than 2 years ago.
Alcohol
NZ Blood Service does not take blood from anyone under the influence of alcohol because intoxication can affect ability to understand and answer the donor questionnaire and declaration, and to tolerate 470mL blood withdrawal. You must not have any traces of alcohol in your blood at the time of your donation (e.g. not have consumed alcohol on the day of donation).
Allergies
You can donate if you have mild hay fever or other mild allergy to a food or environmental substance. Taking a medicine to control symptoms will not affect your ability to donate.
If you have moderate symptoms from an acute allergic reaction at present, you will need to wait until symptoms have settled and a stand-down period of between 7 to 28 days may be necessary – please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD to clarify.
If you have a history of moderately severe allergic reactions in the past but you are otherwise fit and well, with no local reaction, you can donate.
After a moderate allergic reaction to a medicine you will need to wait for 12 months before donating. After a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis you may donate provided you are well on the day and will not be exposed to anything you are allergic to (e.g latex)
Alpha Blockers
As long as you do not have a cancer and meet the criteria for blood pressure and pulse rate, you can donate.
Anaemia (Low Iron)
If you have previously been treated for iron, B12 or folate deficiency and your haemoglobin is normal, you may be able to donate blood or plasma.
If vitamin B12 (tablets or injections) are taken to prevent deficiency related to diet or as an over-the-counter medication, you may be able to donate blood or plasma. If vitamin B12 is prescribed and given as an injection by a registered health professional to treat deficiency related to diet, you will need to wait 90 days after your last injection before you can donate.
If you are having medical investigations for anaemia, it will be necessary to wait until the investigation is completed. Presence of persistent anaemia and some specific types of anaemia, such as pernicious anaemia, may result in permanent deferral from donating.
Please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse if you have any questions.
Angioplasty
Although your previous symptoms, which required an angioplasty may have settled, you can't give blood in the future as you may not be able to tolerate 470mL blood withdrawal
Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Depending on the anti-inflammatory medicine and the condition it is being used to treat, you may not be eligible to donate at this time.
Please call our team on 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) to find out more.
Antibiotics
If antibiotics are taken to treat an existing infection, in most cases the condition must be fully resolved and the antibiotics completed 7 days before donating. However, in some cases a longer stand-down period will be required depending on the infection being treated.
In cases where an antibiotic is being taken in the absence of existing infection, a donation may be collected for restricted use as long as the donor is well.
To confirm when you can donate, please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse.
Antidepressants
Taking an antidepressant is generally not a cause for a stand-down period as long as you are in good health. However, if you are taking a high dose we may need to check your eligibility to donate.
Please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis that is under good control will not affect your ability to give blood donations.
If symptoms are severe you may be asked to wait for 3 months. If your diagnosis is Rheumatoid Arthritis that is active or requires treatment you will not be able to donate.
Asthma
If you have mild asthma and require only occasional use of inhalers, or you are on a regular preventative treatment programme with inhalers and do not have active symptoms at the time, you can donate. If you have active symptoms you will need to wait 28 days before donating. If you have severe asthma it will not be possible for you to donate.
Autoimmune Disorders
Can donate if no treatment has been needed to suppress the condition in the last 12 months. However, please also see Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Pernicious Anaemia (under Anaemia) if relevant.
Bleeding Disorder
Most bleeding disorders will result in permanent ineligibility from donating. However, you can be assessed by a NZBS Medical Officer to review your condition and eligibility. Call 0800 448 325 and ask to speak to a nurse.
Blood Pressure
Medicines for the control of blood pressure are acceptable, providing your blood pressure is adequately controlled and stable, and you have not had low blood pressure when standing.
If you are taking a beta blocker medicine to control your blood pressure you will not be able to donate until you have:
- Taken the medicine for 28 days without any problems
- A pulse over 60/minute
- Stable and acceptable blood pressure
We will check these during your pre-donation interview.
Blood Transfusion
You will need to wait 3 months following a blood transfusion.
If you received only autologous blood (that is, you donated prior to a procedure and were transfused with your own blood), then you can continue donating with a letter from your doctor verifying that the only blood transfused was your own blood.
If you had a blood transfusion in the UK, Republic of Ireland or France since 1980 then you are permanently ineligible from donating in NZ.
Body Piercing
If you‘ve recently had a tattoo (including cosmetic tattoos, such as microblading), cosmetic injectables or a body piercing, you must wait 3 months from the date of the procedure before you can donate.
Note: If the cosmetic injectable or body piercing was performed by a registered health professional (i.e. pharmacist, GP) and any inflammation has settled completely, you can donate after 12 hours.
Cancer
If you have had an adequately treated skin cancer (squamous cell cancer or basal cell cancer) and have no recurrence of the cancer, you can donate.
If you have had a cancer-in-situ (e.g. cervical cancer-in-situ) removed, you can also donate.
If you have or had a cancer, other than leukaemia or lymphoma, which has been successfully treated and proved to be clear of disease for at least five years, you can donate.
Regrettably, if you have ever had leukaemia or lymphoma, we cannot accept your donation.
You can donate while taking some follow-up preventative medicines, such as Zoladex or Tamoxifen, but others, like Vismodegib (Odomzo) and Sonidegib (Erivedge), need to have been out of your body for some time before donating.
You must be in good health at the time of your donation.
Chaga’s Disease (Trypanosoma Cruzi, T. Cruzi)
If you have travelled independently (not in an organised tour) for 4 consecutive weeks or more to a country that is considered a high risk for contracting Chaga’s disease, you will be tested for the T. Cruzi antibody. You may still be eligible to donate plasma.
If you are, have been a resident in, or were born in a country that is considered a high risk for contracting Chaga’s disease, you must be tested for the T. Cruzi antibody before you will be able to donate.
If you are or ever have been diagnosed with Chaga’s disease, you may be eligible to donate plasma only.
Chickenpox
You can donate 28 days after a complete and full recovery.
When all your spots are completely clean and dry, NZ Blood Service may be able to use your plasma to provide valuable antibodies to treat people at risk of infection from chickenpox. If you live near one of our main Donor Centres, please tell us about your chickenpox infection as soon as possible as we may wish to arrange special tests to check your chickenpox antibody level. Please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse.
Childbirth
If you are pregnant, you cannot donate blood. This is to avoid any stresses on the mother's or baby's circulation, or on the mother’s iron levels. Following pregnancy, you will not be eligible to donate blood or plasma for as many months as your pregnancy was long. In most cases, this is 9 months.
See Miscarriage or Termination.
Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)
If you have had your gallbladder removed, you will need to wait a minimum of 3-6 months following surgery. You must be fully recovered and in good health at the time of your donation.
Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation)
If you have an inflamed gallbladder, you must wait for a minimum of 28 days from complete recover and your last dose of antibiotics.
Cholesterol-Lowering Medication
Cholesterol-lowering medication prescribed to prevent coronary artery disease does not affect your eligibility to donate. However, people who have angina or other symptoms of existing coronary artery disease must not donate for personal safety reasons.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Please see Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E).
Coeliac Disease
If your condition is treated by diet alone and you are well, you may donate. If you require other medical treatment this will be discussed with our Medical Officer but is likely to lead to permanent ineligibility from giving blood.
Cold Sores
If you have an active cold sore, you cannot donate. Once it is clean, dry and/or healed, you will be eligible to donate.
Colonoscopy
If you have had a colonoscopy, gastroscopy and/or other endoscopies with a flexible endoscope, you will have to wait for 3 months from the date of the procedure.
For investigations with rigid endoscopes, please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse to discuss this.
If you have had a CT colonography, you are asymptomatic and the colonography findings are normal, you may be able to donate.
Common Cold
If you have common cold symptoms (sore throat, cough, runny nose, etc.), you must wait until you show signs of recovery and be in good health when you donate.
If you have influenza you’ll need to wait 4 weeks after full recovery.
Concussion
If you have had an accident resulting in a concussion, we will need to know the details of the accident. In most cases, if you are fully recovered, have been discharged from medical follow up and are no longer taking any related medications, you will be eligible to donate. If you have not fully recovered, we ask that you allow 3 months from your full recovery before donating.
Condoms
Even if you wear a condom each time, if you are participating in sexual activities that are considered a high risk of HIV transmission, you will need to wait 3 months until you can donate. Condoms reduce the risk, but there is always a very small risk, if the condom breaks or is not used properly, of transmission.
The relative risk of HIV transmission is much higher with a transfusion of infected blood than with sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
This justifies a more stringent approach to risk reduction for transfusion.
Conjunctivitis
If conjunctivitis is due to infection you will need to wait for 7 days after the condition is fully settled and you are off antibiotics.
If allergies cause your conjunctivitis, please see the Allergies criteria.
Contraceptive Pill
If you are taking a contraceptive pill (oral birth control pills), you will be eligible to donate now. Donating blood will have no effect on the action of your contraceptive pill.
Corneal Transplant
After receiving a corneal transplant it is not possible to donate. This requirement exists as rare cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease have occurred overseas after corneal grafting.
COVID-19
If you’ve had COVID-19, you’ll need to wait seven days after you are free of symptoms or after the date of your last positive test (if you have no symptoms) before you can donate blood or plasma.
Cystitis
If you have recently been diagnosed with cystitis, or a urinary tract infection, we ask that you wait a minimum of 7 days following your full recovery and last dose of antibiotics before donating.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection
After cytomegalovirus infection we will ask you to wait for 6 months from full recovery before donating blood.
If you have any other underlying health problem which caused more severe cytomegalovirus infection than usual, this may affect whether or not you can donate again so please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse to clarify your eligibility.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
If you have had an isolated instance of deep vein thrombosis, we ask that you wait a minimum of 3 months until completely recovered and off all anticoagulant treatment before donating.
If you have had repeat episodes of DVT, it will not be possible for you to give blood.
Dengue Fever
You must wait a minimum of 4 months following your full recovery before you can donate if any of the below applies:
- If you have been diagnosed with dengue fever (part of the Tropical Arbovirus group).
- If you have visited a country that has a high risk for Tropical Arbovirus (check using our travel tool). This does not apply to air travellers who transit and do not leave the airport grounds.
- If you have travelled in a ship that has anchored at a seaport or harbour in a country that is high-risk for Tropical Arborvirus.
Dental Treatment
Following a minor dental procedure, such as routine cleaning, fillings or braces, you may be able to donate plasma straightaway. However, you will need to wait until the following day to donate blood.
Following an uncomplicated procedure, you may be able to donate blood or plasma once you have recovered.
Following a complex procedure, such as a wisdom tooth extraction, you may be able to donate plasma straightaway. However, you will need to wait seven days before you may be able to donate blood.
If you are taking antibiotics are part of your dental treatment, please wait seven days after your antibiotics treatment has finished before donating.
If you have had dental implants, your ability to donate will depend on the type of dental implant used.
We recommend you phone 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse if you have any questions about any dental treatment you have had.
Depression
If your depression is stable and your symptoms are under control through medication or therapy, you may be eligible to donate.
If you have been diagnosed with severe depression requiring very high dose of medication, you will not be eligible to donate.
Dermatitis
We will ask about your medical history to obtain more information about your condition.
If the area affected is small and is being treated with only an ointment or a cream, and the venepuncture site at the elbow is not affected, you will be able to give blood.
Otherwise we may ask you to wait until the condition is settled.
Diabetes
If you have no complications from your diabetes such as eye, blood vessel related or kidney problems and your diabetes is well controlled (either through diet, diet and oral medication or insulin), you may be able to donate blood or plasma.
If you had treatment (including insulin) for gestational diabetes during pregnancy only and you are now off all treatment, you may be able to donate blood or plasma.
If your diabetes is uncontrolled or you have complications from your diabetes, you will be ineligible to donate.
We recommend you call us on 0800 448 325 and ask to speak to a nurse if you have any further questions.
Diarrhoea
If you have suffered from diarrhoea, we ask that you wait:
- a minimum of 7 days following a full recovery from diarrhoea whose cause has not been identified and lasted less than 24 hours.
- a minimum of 28 days following a full recovery from diarrhoea whose cause has not been identified, and lasted for more than 24 hours.
- a minimum of 3 months following a full recovery from diarrhoea caused by Yersinia, Campylobacter, Salmonella or Shigella.
If someone in your household or a close social contact has had diarrhoea lasting less than 24 hours you will be able to donate after 7 days if you remain in good health through that period. If the cause of their diarrhoea is Yersinia, Campylobacter, Salmonella or Shigella you will be able to donate after 28 days if you remain in good health through that period.
You can donate plasma one week after recovering from diarrhoea. For more information please contact us on 0800 448 325.
If you are a healthcare professional who has come into contact with someone affected by any of the symptoms or conditions listed above, you will be eligible to donate if:
- You have taken the appropriate PPE precautions
- Are feeling physically well
- Are showing no signs of any related symptoms
Disability
Donors must be physically able to climb onto the donation beds and be able to straighten out the elbow fully so that a blood donation can be collected.
We will also need to discuss the underlying cause of your disability as this may affect your ability to donate if due to some medical conditions.
Please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse.
Diverticulitis or Diverticulosis
If you are well and have had no recent symptoms of the condition you may donate.
If you have symptoms it will be necessary to wait for a minimum of 28 days after the symptoms have settled before donating.
Drugs
It depends on what, when and how it was taken. You must not be under the influence of recreational drugs (including alcohol, marijuana) at the time of your donation. This may cause adverse effects for you during your donation and poses risks for the recipient of your donation.
If you have ever injected drugs not prescribed by a registered medical practitioner, even once, you will have to wait five years before donating blood or plasma. This is because of the risk of having a number of virus infections and not all viruses can be detected by our blood tests.
NZ Blood Service values the privacy of donors. All interviews are held in private and donor confidentiality is always maintained. Please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse if you have any questions.
Eczema
If the affected area is small and the venepuncture site at the front of the elbow is not affected and only an ointment or cream treatment is used, you will be able to donate. We will need to discuss your medical condition to confirm the diagnosis.
If you have severe eczema our Medical Officer will need to review your condition.
Endometriosis
If the endometriosis has settled and you have no symptoms you may donate. This applies if you are on hormone replacement treatment to control endometriosis.
If you have been treated with Danazol we will ask you to wait for 3 months before donating. Our Medical Officer will also review your condition.
Endoscopy
If the endoscopy was done using a rigid endoscope, and you are now well and not needing any treatment or follow up with your doctor, you may be able to donate.
If your endoscopy was done using a flexible endoscope you will have to wait for 3 months from the time of the procedure before you can donate (if all other criteria are also met).
Eye Drop Medication
If you are taking a beta blocker medicine to treat glaucoma and have been taking this treatment for 28 days without any adverse symptoms, and your blood pressure is satisfactory, you will be able to donate. Our staff will need to review your condition.
If you are receiving antibiotics for an infection we will ask you to wait until 7 days after the infection has settled and the antibiotic treatment completed.
If you are using other medicine eye drops, including for allergy, you may donate.
Ferritin
Ferritin is the protein in your blood that stores iron.
Ferritin levels can be higher in some people. The more common reasons for increased ferritin levels are:
- inflammation
- liver diseases
- excess alcohol consumption
- unhealthy dietary habits.
You won’t be able to donate if you have high ferritin levels and haven’t had them fully investigated by a doctor.
If you have high ferritin levels, and have been thoroughly investigated and your liver function tests are normal, you may be allowed to donate blood. (See haemochromatosis)
For more detail on iron levels and blood donation, see iron.
Fibromyalgia
The term fibromyalgia can describe a variety of conditions. Due to this, we ask that you please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak to a nurse to confirm your eligibility.
Food Poisoning
If you have suffered from diarrhoea, we ask that you wait:
- a minimum of 7 days following a full recovery from diarrhoea whose cause has not been identified and lasted less than 24 hours
- a minimum of 28 days following a full recovery from diarrhoea whose cause has not been identified, and lasted for more than 24 hours
- a minimum of 3 months following a full recovery from diarrhoea caused by Yersinia, Campylobacter, Salmonella or Shigella
Contacts: If someone in your household or a close social contact has had diarrhoea
- lasting less than 24 hours you will be able to donate after 7 days if you remain in good health through that period,
- if the cause of their diarrhoea is Yersinia, Campylobacter, Salmonella or Shigella you will be able to donate after 28 days if you remain in good health through that period.
Fractures
If the fracture was minor we will ask you to wait 28 days before donating.
If you had a moderate or severe fracture involving limb or other bones, we will ask you to wait for 3-6 months depending on the nature of the injury.
If you have been discharged from follow up you will usually be able to donate. Please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse for further information.
Fungal Infections
If the infection is being treated with a topical ointment or cream and there is no local inflammation you will be able to donate.
If you are taking tablets for treatment we will ask you to wait 7 days after completing the treatment.
Gastroenteritis (Gastro, Stomach Bug, Vomiting)
If Diarrhoea is present (frequent watery or unformed bowel motions) – see Diarrhoea. If Vomiting is the problem – see Infection.
German Measles (Rubella)
If you have been diagnosed with German Measles (Rubella), we ask that you wait a minimum of 28 days before you donate. The clearance of this infection is known to be delayed.
If you have come into contact with someone who has been diagnosed with German Measles (Rubella), we ask that you wait:
- 0 days if you have been diagnosed and have recovered from German Measles (Rubella) before
- 28 days if you have never been diagnosed with German Measles (Rubella) before
If you have recently been vaccinated for German Measles (Rubella), please wait a minimum of 8 weeks before giving a blood donation.
Gilbert's Disease
Gilbert’s disease is a mild liver condition that results in an increased level of bilirubin in blood. This condition does not affect giving blood donations.
Glandular Fever
Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Recovery usually takes weeks to months for full recovery from the infection and its fatigue. You can donate 2 weeks after you’ve fully recovered.
If you’ve been in contact with someone with glandular fever, please do not donate for 6 weeks from the last contact.
Glaucoma
If you are taking a beta blocker medicine to treat glaucoma and have been taking this treatment for 28 days without any adverse symptoms, and your blood pressure is satisfactory, you will be able to donate. Our staff will need to review your condition.
Gonorrhoea
If you have been diagnosed with gonorrhoea, you must wait 3 months after you have fully recovered and completed any necessary treatment before you can donate. For more information, please see Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Gout
If you are mildly affected and/or are on tablets for treatment, you may donate.
If you have an acute attack of gout or acute attacks are frequent, we will ask you to wait 14 days before donating.
Haemochromatosis (Iron Overload Disease)
This is a genetic condition resulting in genetic mutation and increased iron levels.
Too much iron in the body is harmful to various organs and people with the condition need to be bled regularly to decrease the amount of stored iron.
If you have this condition and you would like to donate, you will need your GP (doctor) to refer you to NZBS with a letter that provides information about the diagnosis including copies of:
- your liver function tests
- genetic testing to confirm genetic haemochromatosis
- your current iron status.
An NZBS Medical Officer will then review your condition. If you meet our criteria, you will be able to donate at 1 to 4 week intervals to bring your iron overload under control.
Please note, a high ferritin level does not always mean you have haemochromatosis. You should not donate blood unless you have been fully investigated and all other causes of high ferritin have been ruled out. Your referral must also be reviewed by a NZBS medical officer. See ferritin for more information.
Haemorrhoids (Piles)
If your piles/haemorrhoids are not causing symptoms or produce symptoms infrequently, you may donate.
If regular or severe bleeding is present, we ask you to wait for 28 days after the last episode before you donate.
Hay Fever
If your hay fever symptoms are mild, with or without regular treatment, you may donate.
If you have moderate or severe symptoms we will ask you to wait until 28 days after the symptoms have settled or been brought under control before you donate
Heart Attack
If you have ever had a heart attack, regardless of how well you have recovered, you will now be permanently ineligible from giving a blood donation. This is to protect your health and safety.
Height
To donate blood or plasma, you must meet specific height (and weight) criteria. Please take our Eligibility Quiz to see if you meet these criteria.
Hepatitis (A, B or C)
Hepatitis means the inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by an infection (such as the hepatitis A, B or C viruses) or by an unknown cause. You will not be able to donate until at least 12 months after your full recovery from hepatitis.
If you have a family member or close social contact with hepatitis, you will need to call 0800 GIVE BLOOD and speak to a nurse. The details of what type of hepatitis that person is experiencing may determine your eligibility.
If you have a partner with hepatitis, you must wait 3 months after your last sexual contact with them before you may be eligible to donate.
Herpes
Provided that you are not currently suffering from an episode or flare-up of sores, you may donate. Any recent sores must be clean and dry. You can donate between episodes.
HIV
HIV can be transmitted either by sex (even with condoms) or by contact with blood from an infected individual. There are a variety of risk factors for you to be aware of.
You should not donate for three months after you:
- arrive in New Zealand from a country identified as high risk for HIV (we have a map to help) and have been sexually active in that country
- have had sex with someone who lives in or comes from a country identified as high risk for HIV
- have had sex with a sex worker
- have been working as a sex worker (locally or abroad)
- have had sex with someone who is HIV positive (even if they have an undetectable viral load)
- have had sex with a man who has oral or anal sex (with or without a condom) with another man
- have last taken PrEP or PEP, or from the most recent risk event, whichever is the later (as it can mask an infection during testing)
- have had sex with someone who has received treatment with plasma derived coagulation factor concentrates i.e. haemophilia or related clotting disorder
You should not donate for one year after entering an ongoing relationship in New Zealand with someone who lives in or comes from a country identified as high risk for HIV. This includes most of Africa, much of the Caribbean, parts of South-East Asia and some other countries. We have a map to help with this.
Unfortunately, you should never donate if you:
- are positive for HIV
- are in a current sexual relationship with an HIV positive partner
- have received treatment with plasma derived coagulation factor concentrates for haemophilia or related clotting disorder
- are in a current sexual relationship with someone who has received treatment with plasma derived coagulation factor concentrates (i.e. haemophilia or related clotting disorder). This is related to the sad history of HIV infected plasma products from the 1980s.
For a more detailed discussion of the issues around HIV and blood donation, please read the NZBS and the University of Auckland report from 2020.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
If you are taking hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms you may donate.
If you are taking hormone replacement therapy for any other reason you will need to discuss the condition with our team. Please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse if you need more information
Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycaemia means ‘low blood sugar’. There are many reasons for low blood sugar and an important one is from treatment of diabetes. If you have symptoms of hypoglycaemia that is not related to diabetes or other serious illness, you can donate provided that you have eaten properly within 2 hours prior to donating. As with all donors, you should also drink plenty of fluids both before and after donation.
Infection
You will need to discuss the infection with our Staff. For most infections acquired in the community we will ask you to wait until 7 days after full recovery and after stopping antibiotic treatment, if used.
In the case of some infections we will ask you to wait for longer, e.g. rubella 28 days, and after cytomegalovirus (CMV), we will ask you to wait for 6 months.
Chronic virus infections such as chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV will prevent you from giving blood. If in doubt, please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse to discuss.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
If you have been diagnosed with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease, and are in remission or it is well controlled with medication, you may be able to donate plasma.
However, if your condition is considered active and not under control, you will not be able to donate.
Iron
For you to donate safely, you need to have safe levels of iron and haemoglobin in your blood.
Haemoglobin is a protein present on red blood cells which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Your body needs iron to make the haemoglobin in your blood.
We therefore advise everyone donating blood to have a healthy, iron-rich diet.
We will test your haemoglobin levels before you donate to make sure donation is safe for you.
If your haemoglobin levels are normal, and you meet our other eligibility criteria you may be eligible to donate.
If you are taking over-the-counter iron tablets to self-medicate or to stop anaemia (low haemoglobin levels) re-occuring, you may be eligible to donate.
If you are taking iron tablets prescribed by your doctor, you must wait until you have completed your treatment before you can donate.
If you have had an intravenous iron transfusion, you must wait 28 days following your transfusion before you can donate.
If you are on life-long iron treatment, unfortunately you will not be able to donate blood. This is to look after your health and well-being.
Some specific types of anaemia, such as pernicious anaemia, also means that unfortunately you will not be able to donate. Again, this is to look after your health and well-being.
For details on ferritin and blood donation see ferritin.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If you are well at present and have had no symptoms in the 28 days you may donate.
Leukaemia or Lymphoma
If you have ever been diagnosed with leukaemia or lymphoma, even if you are in remission, you will be permanently ineligible to donate.
Liposuction
Once your liposuction procedure has been completed and you have fulled recovered, you may be eligible to donate.
Liver Function
As long as your liver function tests are normal, you may be eligible to donate.
Please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse if you need more information.
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, SLE)
If you have not required treatment to suppress your condition in the last 12 months, then you may be eligible to donate.
Lyme Disease
If you have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, you will need to wait 3 months following your full recovery, completion of any treatment and a sign off from your doctor.
Malaria
If you have travelled to a country that is considered a high risk for contracting Malaria, you will need to wait a minimum of 4 months from returning to New Zealand before you can donate.
If you are or have been a resident in, or were born in a country that is considered a high risk for contracting Malaria, you will be tested for the Malaria antibody before your donation.
If you test positive for the Malaria antibody, you will be notified by letter and you will be eligible to donate plasma only.
Medications
Most prescribed medicines will not affect your eligibility to donate, however, the underlying condition for which the medicine has been prescribed may.
Please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse if you have any queries about medications.
Miscarriage or Abortion
If you’ve had an abortion or suffered a miscarriage, you’ll have to wait three months for every trimester of your pregnancy you started before you can donate blood or plasma.
Monkeypox
If you have Monkeypox, you must wait 14 days after all lesions have crusted over and fallen off and you are free of all symptoms before you can donate blood or plasma. If you don’t have any symptoms but have been in contact with someone who has or is suspected of having Monkeypox, you must wait 28 days after your last date of contact with that person before you can donate blood or plasma. If you have any questions, please call 0800 448 325 and ask to speak with a nurse.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) you will be permanently ineligible to donate. This is to protect your health and safety as the nature of your condition is uncertain.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E)
People with a diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E) are permanently ineligible from donating blood in New Zealand
Occupation Risk
If you are one of the professions listed below, we ask that you to not donate if on duty or within 12-24 hours of going on duty, or taking part in the activity:
- aircraft or glider pilot (though we recommend commercial pilots wait 2 days after their donation before returning to duty)
- bus or train driver
- crane or large machinery operator
- a member of the fire brigade
- air traffic controller
- diver
- tradesperson, involved in climbing ladders or scaffolding
Painkillers
Please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse to find out if you are eligible.
Parkinson's Disease
If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you will be permanently ineligible to donate.
This is to protect your health and safety due to the mobility problems caused by Parkinson’s Disease, which may create a risk after giving blood.
Pituitary Gland
If the tumour you have is benign, you can donate blood as long as you are otherwise fit and well. If you had a surgery for this tumour before 1990 you will not be eligible to give blood.
Pneumonia
If you are fully recovered and no underlying medical or related condition caused the pneumonia, we will ask you to wait until 28 days after full recovery and completion of antibiotic treatment.
If you have any other underlying medical condition, this will need to be discussed with a NZBS Medical Officer.
Pneumothorax
If the pneumothorax was spontaneous and not due to emphysema, you will be able to donate after full recovery. If you had a traumatic pneumothorax and do not have emphysema, you will be able to donate 3 months after the injury and complete recovery.
If you have a pneumothorax and emphysema you will not be eligible to give blood.
Polycythaemia (Rubra) Vera
Polycythaemia (rubra) vera is a disease of the bone marrow causing over-production of red blood cells. One of the treatments for this condition is regular removal of blood (venesection) and your doctor may have even referred you to the NZ Blood Service for venesection. Due to the underlying condition affecting your bone marrow, your donation cannot be used for transfusion.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you cannot donate blood. This is to avoid any stresses on the mother's or baby's circulation, or on the mother’s iron levels. Following a full term pregnancy, you’ll have to wait nine months after giving birth before you may donate blood or plasma.
See Miscarriage or Termination.
Propecia
If you are taking it for hair loss and do not have any other systemic condition you will have to wait for 28 days after the last dose before you can donate blood.
Other antiandrogen medication may rule you out from donating blood. Please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse.
Prostate Conditions
If you have benign prostatic hypertrophy (non-malignant increases in size of prostate gland) and are taking alpha blockers for this, you may be able to donate.
If you have or had prostate cancer in the last 5 years, you will not be eligible to donate.
Psoriasis
If the psoriasis is mild and you are not taking any tablet treatment, and the condition does not affect the front of the elbow at the site used to insert the blood collection needle, you will be able to give blood.
If you have more severe or generalized psoriasis or are taking oral medicines to treat the condition, we will ask you to wait for 28 days after treatment is completed and symptoms reduced to a mild level.
In the case of some medicines, a longer waiting period may be required. Please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse to find out if you are eligible.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis that is being managed through the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents or aspirin, you may be eligible to donate. However, if your diagnosis is treated with steroids and other medicines, you will not be able to donate.
Rosacea
If your rosacea is mild, there is no infection and you are not on any treatment, you may be able to donate blood or plasma.
If your rosacea is mild and you are taking oral antibiotics as part of your treatment, you may be able to donate blood or plasma.
If your rosacea is mild, there is no infection and you are using any topical prophylactic treatment, you may be able to donate blood or plasma.
If you have lesions that are infected or inflamed, you will have to wait seven days until lesions are healed and you finished antibiotic treatment before you may be able to donate.
Please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse if you have any questions.
Rubella
If you have been diagnosed with Rubella (German Measles), you must wait a minimum of 28 days after your full recovery before you can donate. This is because the clearance of the virus is known to be delayed.
If you have been in contact with someone who has Rubella, and you have never been diagnosed with Rubella yourself, you must wait a minimum of 28 days after your last contact with this person before you can donate.
If you have been in contact with someone who has Rubella, and you have previously had Rubella, you can donate immediately.
If you have had the Rubella vaccine, including the MMR vaccine, you must wait a minimum of 28 days after your vaccination before you can donate.
Sexual Activity
If you have any reason to believe you may have acquired an infection through unprotected sex, you should not donate. NZ Blood Service relies on donors giving accurate information about their health and other important issues that affect the safety of blood.
You must NEVER give blood if:
- You, or any of your current sexual partners have AIDS or a positive test for HIV.
- You carry the hepatitis B or C virus.
- You have ever injected yourself, even once, with drugs not prescribed by a Doctor.
- You have haemophilia or a related clotting disorder and have received treatment with plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates at any time.
- You think you need an HIV or hepatitis test.
You must not give blood for 3 months:
- Following oral or anal sex with or without a condom with another man (if you are male).
- After engaging in sex work (prostitution) or accepting payment in exchange for sex.
- After leaving a country in which you have lived and which is considered to be high risk of HIV infection (includes sub Saharan Africa and parts of Asia). Full list available at blood collection sessions or please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse to discuss your eligibility).
You must not give blood for 3 months following sex with anyone:
- Whom you know carries the hepatitis B or C virus
- Who is a sex worker (prostitute)
- Who has ever injected themselves with drugs not prescribed by a Doctor
- Who lives in or comes from a country considered high risk for HIV infection
- Who has haemophilia or a related blood clotting disorder and received treatment with plasma derived clotting factor concentrates at any time
- If you are a woman, after engaging in sex with a man who has had oral or anal sex with another man
Condom use
Even if you use a condom every time you either partake in male-to-male sex or sex work, we will still need to ask you to please wait at least 3 months from the last instance before donating. This is because while condoms significantly reduce the risk, there is still a small chance of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs)
Your eligibility to donate will depend on the type of infection that you have or have had in the past.
If multiple episodes of sexually transmitted infections have occurred a person may be ineligible to donate.
After an episode of gonorrhoea - you must wait for 3 months from recovery and the end of treatment.
For chlamydia and non-specific urethritis we will ask you to wait for 28 days after full recovery and completing antibiotic treatment.
If you have HIV (AIDS) or have or have had syphilis you are not eligible to donate.
For other infections –or if you are uncertain, please call your local Donor Centre or 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse to discuss your eligibility.
Shingles
You will be able to donate when you are feeling well and the rash is completely clean and dry.
NZ Blood Service may also be able to use your plasma to provide valuable antibodies to protect people at risk of chickenpox. If you live near one of our main Donor Centres, please tell us about your shingles infection as soon as possible as we may wish to arrange special tests to check your antibody level. Please call your local Donor Centre.
Smoking
Being a smoker does not affect your eligibility to donate. However, we recommend that you wait at least 1 hour following a donation before having a smoke, as it may cause you to feel unwell.
Splenectomy (Spleen Removal)
If your spleen was removed due to trauma or physical injury you must wait 6 months after full recovery before you can donate.
If, however, your spleen was removed to treat a chronic illness such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) or lymphoma, you are not be able to donate blood.
Strokes and Transient Ischaemic Attacks (Mini-Strokes)
After a stroke or TIA you will be permanently ineligible from giving a blood donation. This is to protect your health as you may experience adverse effects while your donation is collected.
Surgery
If you have recently had surgery, you will need to wait before donating while your body recovers. There are many types of surgery so the wait time will depend on the condition for which you had surgery, what type of surgery and the recovery period. The wait is typically 3 to 6 months. If you have had a blood transfusion, you must wait at least 3 months following your surgery. Cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, flexible endoscopy, gastric banding, and surgery overseas each have separate requirements.
If you have any kind of surgery scheduled in the next 3 months, you may be asked to wait until after your surgery to ensure your iron and haemoglobin levels are optimal before surgery.
Please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse to determine your eligibility.
Tattoo
If you‘ve recently had a tattoo (including cosmetic tattoos, such as microblading), cosmetic injectables or a body piercing, you must wait 3 months from the date of the procedure before you can donate.
Note: If the cosmetic injectable or body piercing was performed by a registered health professional (i.e. pharmacist, GP) and any inflammation has settled completely, you can donate after 12 hours.
Tooth Extraction
If the extraction was uncomplicated we will ask you to wait 7 days. If the extraction involved multiple teeth or resulted in complications, we will ask you to wait 28 days after full recovery.
Toxoplasmosis
If you have had a toxoplasma infection (toxoplasmosis), we ask that you wait 6 months following your last dose of antibiotics and full recovery before donating.
Travel
If you have recently travelled overseas, please use our Donating After Travelling tool to check your eligibility.
Ulcer
We ask you to wait until a minimum of 3 months after oral treatment for gastric or duodenal ulcers, and all symptoms have settled.
If you have had a partial gastrectomy for surgery, we ask you to wait for 6 months before donating.
If you have had a total gastrectomy you will not be able to donate, as your ability to absorb iron is permanently reduced.
Vaccination
Your eligibility to make a blood donation following a vaccine is dependent on the vaccination.
For information on the Covid-19 Vaccine, please click here.
Inactivated vaccines (those which are not “live”) generally do not affect eligibility. These can include diphtheria, influenza (flu), hepatitis A, meningococcal, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumococcus, Q (query) fever, tetanus, human papillomavirus (also known as Gardasil) and others.
The exception to this rule is the hepatitis B vaccine. You must wait 7 days following a hepatitis B vaccine before donating.
Most live vaccines require a mandatory wait of 28 days before donating. These can include Chikungunya, tuberculosis (BCG), measles, mumps, Polis – Sabin oral polio vaccine (OPV), and varicella (chickenpox and shingles).
You must wait four weeks after the rubella (German measles) vaccine, including the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) and ask to speak with a nurse if you are unsure, or if your recent vaccination is not listed here.
Warts
If you have warts (human papilloma) virus, you will be eligible to donate as long as you have no broken skin or localized infection.
Weight
The minimum weight is 50kg for blood donation, however, new donors under 25 years of age must also meet height and weight criteria. Find out if you meet the height and weight criteria for blood by using our handy quiz.
The maximum weight is 200kg. This is related to the maximum safe capacity of our donor chairs which may vary from site to site.
Zika Virus
If you have recently travelled to a country with mosquito-borne infections (including Zika and dengue viruses, and malaria), please check our Donating After Travelling tool to determine how long you must wait until you can give blood.
Exposure during sexual contact: if your partner has tested positive for Zika infection or is waiting for test results for a suspected Zika infection in the last 6 months, you must wait 28 days from your last sexual contact with your partner before you may be eligible to donate.