Donating blood or obtaining the required blood from qualified donors could be a challenge in Panama. Due to the hardship when trying to find donors and blood in case of emergencies, they have eased up their requirements, however, here is a list of the minimum requirements that have to be met in order to qualify as a blood donor:
- Only adults can donate and must be between 18 and 65 years of age
- Must weight over 110 lbs., no matter what age or height
- Must be in general good health. Feel good, no cuts or wounds, cavities, recent infections, colds, flus or any other symptom
- Must have normal Blood Pressure and not be on any kind of BP medications
- No surgeries in the past 6 months
- No tattoos or piercings in the last 4 months
- Minimum of 12.5 Hemoglobin for women and 13.5 Hemoglobin for men
- If you have Hep B, C HIV or any venereal disease, or live with anyone who does you cannot donate
- You cannot donate blood if you have any type of diabetes or take insulin
- Current valid ID or Passport
- You many not donate if you have visited a Tropical country in the past 6 months
- Live at least six months consecutively in the country of Panama (if you did a border run even a few hours, you cannot donate)
- Be honest during the interview, disclose your medical history and any medications you are or have taken in the last 6 months
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat light before donating
- Limited to 3 times a year for women and 4 times a year for me with a 2 month rest period in between