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My dad was recently not allowed to donate blood because, when he went onto the bus, they said his blood pressure was high. However, when he went to the doctor the next day, he said his blood pressure was fine. I know it may have varied between the two days, though it seems unlikely. This made me wonder, do blood donation centers have stricter limitations on what they accept from donors than what a doctor would consider to be in the healthy range? I know that they require iron levels above what is considered healthy, so does this extend to blood pressure as well?

Current FDA guidelines require that systolic BP measure less than 180 mmHg and diastolic measure less than 100 mmHg for volunteer blood donation. These readings are generally less restrictive than what most physicians consider acceptable. There are many reasons to explain the transient increase in blood pressure. Stress associated with driving, work, etc cold have increased his readings. Also, many people experience "white coat hypertension"; their BP increases in anticipation of a needle stick or physical exam. Most collection facilities will allow the donor to relax for a while and retake the readings. Thank your father for his kindness in attempting to donate, and please ask him to try again.

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