Can I donate blood if I have had a blood transfusion?

In the United States is necessary for you to wait for 12 months after receiving a blood transfusion from another person.  You may not donate blood if you received a blood transfusion after 1980 in the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar or Falkland Islands). This requirement is related to concerns about variant CJD, or ‘mad cow’ disease. You may not donate blood if you have received a blood transfusion after 1977 in certain countries in Africa. This requirement is related to concerns about rare strains of HIV that are not consistently detected by all current test methods.
 Guidelines on eligibility to give blood change from time to time. The most up-to-date eligibility information can be obtained by contacting the American Red Cross blood center nearest you.

If you have had a blood transfusion you may be able to donate blood. All organizations have their own regulations on blood transfusions and eligibility. The Red Cross, for example, allows people to donate blood one year after receiving a blood transfusion in the United States. If you have received a blood transfusion in another country, your eligibility will be location specific. For example, if you received a blood transfusion in the United Kingdom or France since 1980, you will not be allowed to donate. It is recommended that anyone who received a blood transfusion outside of the U.S. call the local donation center to ensure eligibility prior to arrival.