Is it possible to donate blood after having hepatitis B? – Josh* Hepatitis B is one of the viruses that cause hepatitis. One way that someone can become infected with the hepatitis B virus is through blood. People infected with hepatitis B may carry the virus without even knowing it. They can pass it to others through blood or sexual contact. Because of this, anyone who has ever tested positive for hepatitis B cannot donate blood. It's not just hepatitis B that affects who can donate blood. Other types of viral hepatitis, HIV, and some infections can mean that a person can't give blood. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles Hepatitis B Hepatitis B can move from one person to another through blood and other body fluids. For this reason, people usually get it through unprotected sex or by sharing needles. Read More Donating Blood There's a 97% chance that someone you know will need a blood transfusion. Blood donors — especially donors with certain blood types — are always in demand. Find out what's involved in this article for teens. Read More Hepatitis Hepatitis, an infectious liver disease, is more contagious than HIV. Find out about the different types of hepatitis. Read More Blood Transfusions About 5 million people a year get blood transfusions in the United States. This article explains why people need them and who donates the blood used. Read More Blood Types Blood might look the same and do the same job, but tiny cell markers mean one person's body can reject another person's blood. Find out how blood types work in this article for teens. Read More Blood Find out about the mysterious, life-sustaining fluid called blood. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.