Give blood, save life

How Safe Is Donating Blood?

For the most part, donating blood poses no health or safety risks to donors. Blood donation is a safe, simple, and rewarding process when done properly. Here are a few facts about donor safety.

• It is impossible to get AIDS or other infectious diseases from donating blood. A disposable, sterile needle is used for every blood donation and then discarded.
• Experiencing light-headedness or fatigue following donation is rare and usually fleeting. If donors do feel faint after giving blood, the feeling typically passes in a few hours.
• You will only be allowed to donate if you feel well and your medical history allows. Prior to donating, you will be asked about your medical history and given a brief physical to make sure it is safe for you to donate. The staff will take your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and check your red cell count to ensure that donation will not tax your health.
• You are monitored for a time after donation. Donors are asked to stay in the canteen area for a certain period of time after donating. They can report any abnormal feelings to the trained staff available.

Safety Precautions

In order to make your donation experience a positive one, follow these tips:

• Before you donate:
• Get a full night’s sleep
• Eat a good breakfast or lunch with iron-rich foods
• Drink extra water and other fluids
• While you donate:
• Wear clothes that permit convenient access to the area around the elbow
• Relax
• Have a snack and a drink in the refreshments area right after you donate
• After donating:
• Rehydrate yourself by drinking plenty of liquids for 24-48 hours after donating.
• Do not engage in any vigorous physical activity or heavy lifting for five hours after donating.
• If you feel faint, lie down with your feet elevated until you feel better.
• If bleeding occurs after you remove the bandage, put pressure on the area and raise your arm for 3-5 minutes. If bruising or bleeding occurs underneath the skin, put ice or a cold pack on the site periodically for 24 hours.
• If something doesn’t feel right, contact the blood donation company or use your health insurance to visit your healthcare provider immediately.

Who Can't Give Blood?

Although most people are potentially able to give blood, some are not.
There are a variety of reasons why we might ask you not to give blood, but they fall into two main categories. Firstly, if evidence suggests that donating blood could potentially harm you, then to protect your safety we would ask you not to donate. Secondly, if evidence suggests that your donation could potentially harm the patient receiving it, then we would ask you not to donate.
This would include the situation where a specific behaviour may have put you at a higher risk of an infection which could be transmitted to a patient by blood.
There are a number of expert committees that regularly review the evidence relating to exclusions and deferrals from blood donation. Policies which specifically relate to the safety of blood for patients are recommended to the Government by the independent advisory committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO). If you are not able to give blood we know this can be disappointing. However, we hope you will understand that our overriding responsibility is to ensure the safety of donors and the safety of blood for patients.

You should not give blood if:
You've already given blood in the last 12 weeks (normally, you must wait 16 weeks).
You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore.
You're currently taking antibiotics or you have just finished a course within the last seven days or have had any infection in that last two weeks.
You've had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months.
You've had a tattoo, semi-permanent make up or any cosmetic treatments that involves skin piercing in the last 6 months.
You have had acupuncture in the last 4 months, unless this was done within the NHS or by a qualified Healthcare Professional registered with a statutory body.
A member of your family (parent, brother, sister or child) has suffered with CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease). To view the position statement on CJD

You've ever received human pituitary extract (which was used in some growth hormone or fertility treatments before 1985).
You have received blood or think you may have received blood during the course of any medical treatment or procedure anywhere in the world since 1st January 1980.
You may not be able to give blood if:
You've had a serious illness or major surgery in the past or are currently on medication. Please discuss this with the clinical staff. The reason you're taking medicines may prevent you from donating.
You've had complicated dental work. Simple fillings are OK after 24 hours, as are simple extractions after 7 days.
You've been in contact with an infectious disease or have been given certain immunisations in the last four weeks.
You're presently on a hospital waiting list or undergoing medical tests.
You do not weigh over 50kgs (7st 12).

Pregnancy
You should not give blood if you are pregnant or you are a woman who has had a baby in the last 9 months.
Travel abroad
Please wait 6 months after returning from a malarial area before giving blood. Please also tell us if you have visited Central/South America at any time. (Those who've had Malaria, or an undiagnosed illness associated with travel, may not however be able to give blood.)

The special problem of HIV and Hepatitis viruses

• Every single blood donation is tested for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and hepatitis B and C.
• Infected blood isn't used in transfusions but our test may not always detect the early stages of viral infection.
• The chance of infected blood getting past our screening tests is very small, but we rely on your help and co-operation.
• People who carry these viruses may feel healthy for many years.

You should never give blood if:
You have ever had syphilis, HTVL (Human T - lymphotorpic virus), hepatitis B or C or think you may have hepatitis now
You're a man who's had sex with another man, even safe sex using a condom.
You've ever worked as a prostitute.
You've ever injected yourself with drugs - even once.
You should not give blood for 12 months after sex with:
A man who has had sex with another man (if you're a female).
A prostitute.
Anyone who has ever injected themselves with drugs.
Anyone with haemophilia or a related blood clotting disorder who has received clotting factor concentrates.
Anyone of any race who has been sexually active in parts of the world where AIDS/HIV is very common. This includes countries in Africa.
Please do not give blood if you even think that you need a test for HIV or hepatitis, or if you had sex in the past year with someone you think may be HIV or hepatitis positive.
Never give blood to get an HIV test.

Register as a Blood Donor

Giving blood is quick, easy and most importantly, it saves lives. Simply fill in the form below to register your interest in becoming a blood donor or come along to a session near you. Use the session searcher to find where you can make your first donation.
Facts about giving blood:

• Donating blood is quick and easy
• Most people can give blood
• You can give blood every 16 weeks
• Giving blood will not harm your health
• You will donate just under a pint each time
• Donated blood is quickly replaced by your body

To give blood you need to be:

• In good general heath
• Aged between 17 to 65 (if it's your first time)
• At least 7th 12Ib in weight

Many people would not be alive today if it wasn't for the generosity of our donors. Do something amazing and enrol as a blood donor.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ
By entering and submitting my details on this form, I hereby consent to the National Blood Service processing my personal data.
If you do not want to use e-mail to discuss your questions, you may prefer to ring us on 0300 123 23 23, or contact the senior nurse or the duty doctor at your next donation session.
Your details will be held securely on our database and handled by our National Contact Centre. Thank You.

I hereby consent to the National Blood Service storing and processing the personal information provided by me on the online form above in accordance with its . In particular, I consent to any medical, religious or other sensitive personal information submitted by me to be used by the National Blood Service to respond to my query or comments. The National Blood Service shall not disclose such information to any other person.
We will use the information you give us to respond to your query or comments, and to develop and improve the services we provide. We will not disclose it to any third party.

Who Can Give Blood?

Most people can give blood. If you are generally in good health, age 17 to 65 (if it's your first time) and weigh at least 7st 12Ib you can donate. You can give blood every 16 weeks, that's approximately every four months.