- Myth: I can’t donate if I have tattoos.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I got a piercing recently.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve just been to the dentist.
- Myth: Blood can be manufactured.
- Myth: Blood donation is painful.
- Myth: Blood is only needed in times of emergency.
- Myth: Donating blood causes my body to start over producing blood cells.
- Myth: Donating blood makes you gain weight.
- Myth: Donating blood takes a long time.
- Myth: Donating blood will impact my ability to do my daily activities.
- Myth: Giving blood will harm me by taking away red cells or platelets that my body needs to function.
- Myth: I can catch an infectious disease by donating blood.
- Myth: I have a common blood type, so you don’t need my blood.
- Myth: Donating blood can harm my immune system.
- Myth: Other people are already giving enough blood.
- Myth: Vegetarians or vegans cannot donate blood.
- Myth: I cannot donate blood because I have diabetes.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve had low hemoglobin (iron) levels in the past.
- Myth: I must make an appointment to donate blood.
- Myth: I should fast before I donate.
- Who can give blood?
- Where does my blood go?
- Which patients use what blood components?
- What types of photo ID are accepted?
- What tests are performed on blood?
- What is vCJD?
- What happens when somebody tests positive for an infectious disease marker?
- What can I eat to raise my hemoglobin levels?
- Is it safe to receive blood transfusions?
- I don’t have sickle cell anemia, but I carry the trait. Can I still give blood?
- How will I feel after I give blood?
- How often can I give blood?
- How much blood is taken?
- How long does it take?
- Can I give blood for myself?
- When was Carter BloodCare founded?
- Can people with high blood pressure donate blood?
- Can people who have tested positive for HIV or AIDS donate blood?
- Can gay or bi-sexual men donate blood?
- What is Apheresis?
- How long can blood be stored?
Testosterone Therapy (TRT)
Testosterone is not a reason for being ineligible to donate.
Carter BloodCare has received a variance from the FDA specifically to provide no cost phlebotomies for donors while they are taking testosterone replacement therapy. One of the possible side effects of testosterone therapy is an increase in red cell production, sometimes to levels that can affect your health. The treatment for this is to have some of the excess red cells drawn from your body.
If your physician requires you to be drawn at an interval of 8 weeks or longer and you meet donor criteria, you do not need to enroll in this program. You may donate at any neighborhood Carter BloodCare Donor Center or Mobile Drive. Like any other blood donor, you can walk in or schedule your own donations online. You may donate any product.
If you need to be drawn more often that 8 weeks or do not meet donor criteria…
If you do not meet regular donor criteria or your physician requires that you be drawn more often than 8 weeks, the Prescription/Enrollment Form will need to be completed and signed by your physician. This form is valid for one year from the date the physician signs the form.
This is a donor driven program; you and your physician will determine when you need to be drawn. You are responsible for scheduling appointments as your physician instructs. The form will allow you to be drawn with at least a 2 week (14 days) interval between donations. It does not require you to donate every 2 weeks. You can donate at your neighborhood Carter BloodCare Donor Center. Unfortunately, you are not able to donate at Mobile Drives. You may only donate whole blood.
The Prescription/Enrollment form needs to be completely filled out and signed by your physician. Please do not alter or add to the form, as this will delay your enrollment. Submit the completed form by email to DN@carterbloodcare.org or fax (817) 412-5609.
As a member of our testosterone program, WE OFFER PHLEBOTOMY AT NO CHARGE TO YOU. If you do not qualify to donate or become deferred, please contact Donor Notification at (817) 412-5603, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm to assist with deferrals.
Some medical conditions may exclude you from being able to be drawn at Carter BloodCare. If a history of heart attack, pacemaker, heart surgery, cancer or other severe medical condition applies to you, please call Donor Notification at (817) 412-5603 or email DN@carterbloodcare.org.
In order to begin your enrollment process, you may complete the top portion of the Prescription/Enrollment Form below and forward it to your physician for signature. You may also contact your physician and ask them to send a completed form to Donor Notification (contact information is at the top of the form).
If you discontinue testosterone therapy, please let us know and we will make the appropriate adjustments to your records.
Carter BloodCare does not provide “emergency” phlebotomies (blood draws).
If you do not feel well and healthy due to side effects of testosterone (high blood pressure, high pulse, fever, feeling unwell because your blood is “too thick”, etc.) please contact your physician immediately.
For any questions or concerns, you can reach Donor Notification by email DN@carterbloodcare.org or by phone (817) 412-5603 Monday–Friday, 8am-5pm.
The Prescription/Enrollment Form was revised on December 12, 2023. Please use the revised Prescription/Enrollment Form if you are enrolling or updating a current/expired form.
1. Download the Enrollment Form
2. Complete the Patient Information section by typing in the information
3. Print/save the form with the Patient Information completed
4. Scan and email to your physician or take a hard copy to your physician for signature
5. Submit completed form with physician signature to DN@carterbloodcare.org or fill the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription to donate in the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) program?
You only need a prescription if you need your blood drawn more often than once every 8 weeks, or do not meet regular donor eligibility criteria.
Can my blood be used for hospital patients while I am on testosterone?
Yes.
Can my blood be drawn for the testosterone replacement therapy program if I am HIV positive or have hepatitis or do not meet regular donor criteria?
Yes. You must submit a prescription form to Donor Notification. Please contact the Donor Notification Department by phone at (817) 412-5603 or by email at DN@carterbloodcare.org if you have questions.
What if I am unsure of I can donate or not?
Please check the Donation Eligibility page. If you’re still unsure if you can donate, please call Donor Notifications at (817) 412-5603 or email DN@carterbloodcare.org.
Can I donate double red cells while enrolled in the testosterone replacement therapy program?
No, only whole blood donations are drawn while enrolled in the testosterone replacement therapy program.
Is my physician required to use the Carter BloodCare form to enroll me in the testosterone replacement therapy program?
Yes. Carter Bloodcare’s enrollment form must be completely filled out and emailed or faxed to Donor Notification to ensure prompt enrollment.
Email: DN@carterbloodcare.org or Fax: (817) 412-5609
Can my blood be used for hospital patients if I am taking Propecia or Finasteride or any other medication that means I do not meet donor criteria?
No, but your blood can still be drawn in the testosterone replacement therapy program. You must submit a prescription form to Donor Notification. Contact Donor Notification by phone at (817) 412-5603 or email at DN@carterbloodcare.org.
To see a list of other common medications that may cause deferral, please check the Medications page.
Is Testosterone Therapy the same as a “hormone therapy”?
Testosterone therapy can be referenced as different names or phrases by healthcare providers, including but not limited to: hormone therapy, elevated red cells, Erythrocytosis due to testosterone, Secondary Polycythemia due to testosterone, TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy), thick blood, blood dump, red cells are high, my doctor said to have my blood drawn.