medical inquiry:OK to give blood yet?Or ever?

[vivalostwages]

This has been bothering me for years and I've never gotten a straight answer:
Back in 1983 I had mononucleosis/hepatitis, had liver damage from it and took oral steroids to get the liver back in shape. I've never donated blood since then, for fear that the blood might still be harboring something from the illness, and of course I wouldn't want to pass it on.
Am I making a mistake by not donating?

[Arden Ranger]

As long as there are still HCV antibodies in your blood, no, you cannot donate. In a related theme, a friend that had Hepetitis as a child can't give plasma. Ever.

A call to your local Red Cross would probably give you a firm answer.

[JillGat]

The OP did not mention Hep C specifically. But any history of any kind of hepatitis (even if it was completely resolved) generally disallows you from donating blood.

[vivalostwages]

Thank you.
I will check it out with the Red Cross, but I have a feeling you're right.