A deferral is not a rejection — it almost always means “not today”. The centre’s doctor defers you when donating wouldn’t be safe for you or for the patient.
Common temporary deferrals and typical return times: | Reason | Usual wait | ||| | Low haemoglobin | 2–4 weeks of iron-rich food, re-test | | Fever / infection | ~2 weeks after recovery | | Antibiotics | 5–14 days after course ends | | New tattoo / piercing | 6 months | | Alcohol | 24 hours | | Vaccination (most) | 24–48 hours; some 2–4 weeks | | Pregnancy / breastfeeding | Typically 1 year after delivery, post-lactation | | Malaria | 3 months after treatment |
If you’re deferred, ask the doctor one question: “When can I come back?” Then register on our list with a reminder — or tap reconfirm after you’re eligible again.