Can you donate blood ?

Giving blood saves lives. The blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments. Donating blood is a selfless act that can save lives and make a positive impact on your community. However, not everyone is eligible to donate blood. To ensure the safety of both donors and recipients, specific eligibility criteria must be met. Remember, even if you cannot donate blood, there are other ways you can support blood donation efforts, such as encouraging eligible friends and family members to donate or volunteering at blood drives and donation centers.

Who can give blood?

FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ABLE GIVE BLOOD FOR THE FIRST TIME.

To donate blood you will need to :

  • Be generally fit and well
  • Be aged between 17 and 65
  • Weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and 25 stone (158kg)
  • Have suitable veins (we will check these before you donate)
  • Meet all donor eligibility criteria (we will check this before you donate)

Who can't donate blood ?

You can't donate blood if you:

  1. Are a hepatitis B carrier
  2. Are a hepatitis C carrier
  3. Have some heart conditions
  4. Have tested positive for HIV
  5. Have had an organ transplant
  6. Have had most types of cancer
  7. Have received blood, platelets, plasma or any other blood products after 1 January 1980
  8. Have injected non-prescribed drugs including body-building and injectable tanning agents. You may be able to give if a doctor prescribed the drugs
  9. There are other medical conditions that may mean you can't donate...

Who might have to wait to donate blood ?

  1. First-Time Donors: Check eligibility.
  2. Health, Travel, and Lifestyle Factors: Certain reasons may temporarily prevent donation.
  3. Sexual Activity: Wait up to three months if:
    • Had anal sex with a new partner.
    • Recently finished PrEP or PEP.
    • Had sexual contact with individuals who are HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B or C positive, syphilis positive, or involved in transactional sex or drug use.
  4. Other Reasons for Waiting: Wait if you:
    • Feel ill.
    • Are pregnant or gave birth in the last 6 months.
    • Recently got a tattoo or piercing.
    • Undergoing assessment or investigations for a medical condition like a heart condition.

How often can I give blood? ?

THERE IS DIFFERENCE !

To donate blood you will need to :

Men can give blood every 12 weeks and women can give blood every 16 weeks. This is because men generally have higher iron levels than women.