Age limit for 1st time blood donors in S'pore raised to 65 years old

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) will raise the upper age limit for first-time blood donors from 60 to 65.

The change, effective Jan. 2, 2026, means new donors can give blood up to one day before their 66th birthday, while repeat donors can continue doing so up to one day before their 76th birthday.

Adverse reactions decrease

This comes after HSA data based on donors up to the current age limit of 60 shows that adverse reactions decrease with age among first-time donors.

As such, increasing the upper age limit for first time donors from 60 to 65 will expand Singapore's donor pool as the population ages, according to HSA.

This ensures the sustainability of the blood supply without compromising the safety of older donors.

Seasonal low

Expanding the donor pool is also helpful as the year-end period typically sees a seasonal drop in blood collection of up to 20 per cent, said HSA.

In addition, donors who travel to countries or regions with insect-borne diseases may be ineligible to donate for up to four months after their return, potentially affecting blood supplies in the coming months.

Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung said in a Dec. 22 Facebook post: "It is heartening that many people in Singapore are willing to donate blood to help others, but we sometimes forget the ineligibility period after travel."

He added that he is also at fault as he went to South Africa to attend G20 meetings in November 2025 and cannot donate blood until March 2026.

"From MOH's point of view, we really don’t like to decline kind people who step up to help," he said.

Eligibility

HSA said it is therefore critical to maintain a minimum nine-day blood stockpile for Singapore's emergency preparedness, adding that every donation helps ensure the nation can meet both routine and emergency medical needs.

To be eligible for blood donation, members of the public must:

• Be in general good health
• Free of infection symptoms
• Weigh at least 45kg
• Meet minimum haemoglobin levels of 12.5g/dL for females and 13.0g/dL for males.

In addition, donors with well-controlled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes may donate blood if they have no complications arising from their conditions.

However, certain medication eligibility criteria may apply.

Potential donors can refer to the A-Z list on www.hsa.gov.sg/donor_criteria to check if their medical conditions and medications affect their eligibility.

They can also call 6213 0626 if their conditions are not listed on the website.

How to donate

To donate, donors can

• Book appointments via the DonateBlood mobile app on the App Store or Google
• Make an appointment at www.hsa.gov.sg/make_an_appt

Top photo via Ong Ye Kung Facebook