BLOOD DONATION GUIDELINES VARY FOR ANTITHROMBOTIC PATIENTS

Treatment with antithrombotic agents may affect one'sability to make blood donations. Because of the risk ofbleeding after blood donation, the American Red Crossprohibits blood donation by patients on warfarin orheparin. Donations may be resumed after treatment hasbeen discontinued for at least 7 days. Patients on aspirintherapy may donate blood; however, the drug must be discontinued for 48 hoursprior to platelet apheresis. Antithrombotic agents such as ticlopidine and clopidogrelmust be discontinued for 7 days prior to apheresis.

Generally, blood donors must be healthy; must be at least 17 years old (or 16years old if allowed by state law); must weigh at least 110 pounds; and must nothave donated blood in the last 8 weeks (56 days). Healthy is defined as feeling welland being able to perform normal activities.

Dr. Garrett is a clinical pharmacistpractitioner at Cornerstone Health Carein High Point, NC.