Short answer
Most blood banks in Pakistan accept healthy donors aged 18 up to about 60 who weigh at least 45 to 50 kg and have enough haemoglobin. Men usually need at least 13.0 g/dL and women 12.0 to 12.5 g/dL. You wait after an infection, a tattoo or piercing, or pregnancy. The blood bank checks you on the day and makes the final decision.
Age, weight and haemoglobin limits
| Check | Usual rule in Pakistan | WHO guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 to 60 (the usual upper limit set by the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority) | 18 to 65 |
| Weight | At least 45 to 50 kg | At least 50 kg |
| Haemoglobin | Men 13.0 g/dL or more, women 12.0 to 12.5 g/dL or more | Not less than 13.0 g/dL for men and 12.0 g/dL for women |
The Pakistan figures are as published by Husaini Blood Bank, Karachi (2025); the WHO figures are from Who can give blood. Each blood bank applies its own rules, and the staff check your blood pressure and haemoglobin before you give.
How often can you donate blood?
Blood services set a minimum gap between whole blood donations so your body can rebuild its iron. NHS Blood and Transplant asks men to wait at least 12 weeks and women at least 16 weeks (NHS Blood and Transplant). Some blood banks allow shorter gaps; ask the one you give at.
Khidmat is more careful still: once you mark a donation, you are not shown to anyone asking for blood for six months, and then you come back automatically.
Can I donate blood if…
- I have a cold, flu, sore throat or another infection? Not until you are well (WHO).
- I had a tattoo or body piercing? Wait 6 months from the date it was done (WHO).
- I had dental work? Wait 24 hours after a minor procedure and a month after major work (WHO).
- I travelled where malaria is common? You may be asked to wait; tell the staff where you went (WHO).
- I take medicine or have a long-term condition such as diabetes? Tell the staff; they decide on the day (Husaini Blood Bank).
- I have ever tested positive for HIV, or injected recreational drugs? You cannot donate (WHO).
Can a woman donate blood?
Yes. Women donate under the same checks, with a slightly lower haemoglobin threshold: not less than 12.0 g/dL in many countries (WHO). After a pregnancy, WHO advises waiting as many months as the pregnancy lasted, and not donating while breastfeeding.
Donating while fasting
Blood services advise eating recently and drinking plenty of water before you give (NHS Blood and Transplant). If you are fasting, it is safer to donate after iftar, once you have eaten and had fluids, and to ask the blood bank about their opening hours.
Can you give?
Register once. We ask only when your blood can help.
You are contacted only when a patient who can receive your blood group needs blood, never within six months of your last donation, and your number is never published.
What happens when you donate
- You register and answer health questions; bring your CNIC or other photo ID.
- Staff check your blood pressure and haemoglobin.
- The donation itself usually takes 5 to 10 minutes; the whole visit takes longer (NHS Blood and Transplant).
- You rest, have a drink and a snack, and keep the dressing on for a while.
For the rest of the day, avoid carrying anything heavy with the donation arm and avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours. If you feel faint, lie down at once and drink fluids (NHS Blood and Transplant).
You probably can. Register once.
If you are healthy and within the limits above, register on the Blood Bank page. You are asked only when a patient who can receive your blood group needs blood, and never within six months of your last donation.
Questions people ask
What is the blood donation age limit in Pakistan?
Usually 18 to 60; WHO guidance gives 18 to 65. The blood bank decides.
What is the minimum weight to donate blood?
Usually at least 45 to 50 kg in Pakistan; WHO gives 50 kg.
What haemoglobin level do I need?
Usually 13.0 g/dL or more for men and 12.0 to 12.5 g/dL or more for women. It is checked before you give.
How long after a tattoo can I donate?
WHO advises waiting 6 months from the date of the tattoo or piercing.
Sources
- Guide to blood donation rules and eligibility requirements, Husaini Blood Bank, Karachi, 2025
- Who can give blood, World Health Organization
- Who can give blood, NHS Blood and Transplant
- Preparing to donate, NHS Blood and Transplant
- The donation process, NHS Blood and Transplant
- After your donation, NHS Blood and Transplant
