The use of medications and underlying medical conditions can prevent blood donation.

It is essential to inform about the use of all medications prior to blood donation.

Intake of vitamins and dietary supplements bought in Iceland does not prevent blood donation.

Staff at the Blood Bank provide information about rules regarding medications and blood donation. See: Medication

Illnesses

General rules

• If a common cold, blood donation is allowed once symptoms have resolved.

• If a fever over 38°C is present, blood donation is not permitted until 2 weeks after full recovery has been achieved.

See: Fever

Infection

Not eligible for blood donation if:

• An infection is present (acute or chronic).

• Less than 2 weeks have passed since full recovery was achieved.

• Less than 2 weeks have passed since the completion of antibiotic treatment.

Wounds

Can donate blood if the wound is small, dry, and clearly not infected (no redness around it).

Not eligible for blood donation if the individual has a skin wound that could be infected or is open.

See: Wound

In surgical procedures, significant blood loss can occur. Therefore, it is important that blood donors do not donate blood if surgery is planned.

Blood donation shortly before surgery can delay the recovery process after the procedure.

There is a risk of infection associated with surgeries, from surgical wounds or instruments used during the procedure. Therefore, blood donation is not permitted for a certain period after surgery.

• The waiting period for blood donation after surgeries is from 1 week up 4 months.

• The waiting period for arthroscopies is two weeks if no surgery is performed, e.g., knee or shoulder arthroscopy.

• The waiting period for other endoscopies is 4 months, e.g., gastroscopy or colonoscopy.

See: Surgery, Endoscope

General rules

Blood donation is not allowed until at least 4 months have passed if the blood donor has:

• Received a tattoo (this also applies to eyebrow tattoos).

• Had body piercings or other skin punctures, such as laser hair removal.

Sjá: Tattoo, Piercing

During a standard blood donation, approximately half a liter of blood is taken, which can affect the body's ability to perform physical exertion.

Therefore, it is not recommended to engage in exercise or swimming on the same day as donating blood.

• Exercise can increase fluid loss.

• There is a higher risk of bleeding at the puncture site.

• There is an increased risk of fainting.

Certain underlying medical conditions prevent an individual from becoming a blood donor. Different rules apply for each condition. See: Disease

Deferral due to vaccinations varies from 0-8 weeks.

Most inactivated vaccines given for preventive purposes do not prevent blood donation, but vaccination with live vaccines can hinder blood donation for a certain period due to the risk of infection.

See: Vaccination

Those who are considered in a risk group because of behavior and or sexual behavior and therefore the risk of infectious disease being transmitted through blood donation is considered higher.

General rules

• Residence: An individual who was not born/raised in Iceland may become a blood donor 3 months after moving to Iceland if he/she:

  • Has an Icelandic ID number.

  • Plans to live in Iceland for at least a year.

  • Coming from Australia, USA, Europe, Canada or New Zealand.

• Individuals from other countries can donate blood if at least 6 months have passed since moving to the country and the rules regarding travel of blood donors are not an obstacle.

• Language: Blood donors must be able to:

  • Understand the entire blood transfusion process.

  • Understand and speak either Icelandic or English.

  • Understand all questions on a health worksheet without assistance.

• It is not allowed to bring an interpreter, or a family member, to interpret for you.