/tiles/non-collection/p/part2_08_foraker_joseph_lc.xml Image courtesy of the Library of Congress Joseph Foraker of Ohio, chairman of the Senate Committee on Pacific Islands and Puerto Rico, was a Civil War veteran.
1 You cannot donate within 72 hours of your surgery. 2  Acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin and alcohol should be avoided for 48 hours before your donation. 3  Your hemoglobin/hematocrit will be checked and must be at a satisfactory level before donating.
Apheresis platelet donors, however, must not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products 36 hours prior to donation. Aspirin reduces the potency and performance of your platelets. The more time between taking aspirin and donating blood, the better for the recipient. It is recommended that you call the donor center before you come to donate to inquire about any medications you are taking. Most times, taking medications will not keep you from donating.