How and where can I give blood?

If needles make you break into a cold sweat, giving blood might not be high on your list of priorities, but did you know that one donation could potentially save three lives? On the other hand, you might want to give blood but you have some specific questions on your mind. Where can you give blood? Can you give blood if you have a cold? Can I give blood if I smoke? Read on to find out!

Who can give blood?

Generally, if you’re fit and healthy, between 17 and 65 and you weigh over seven stone 12lbs (about 50kg), you should be able to give blood.

You can’t donate blood if you have:

• the flu/a cold, an active cold sore or are on antibiotics.
• have tested positive for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B or C, HTVL (Human T-lymphotropic virus) or jaundice;
• had cancer (most forms apply);
• had some heart conditions;
• had an organ transplant;
• had a tattoo, or other cosmetic treatment involving skin piercing in the last six months;
• had a blood transfusion since 1980, to protect against transmitting vCJD (variant creutzfeldt-jakob disease);
• been injected with non-prescribed with drugs.

You also shouldn’t give blood if you are pregnant or have recently given birth. If you have travelled abroad to a malaria-risk area, you should wait six months before donating; you may not be able to give blood if you’ve recently had certain immunisations.

You might have to wait to donate blood if:

• You have had anal sex with a new partner in the last three months
• You finished taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in the last three months
• In the last three months you have had sexual contact with a partner who is:
  • HIV positive;
  • HTLV positive;
  • a hepatitis B carrier;
  • a hepatitis C carrier;
  • syphilis positive;
  • has received money or drugs for sex;
  • has injected non-prescribed drugs including body-building and injectable tanning agents.

A few other restrictions apply, so it’s a good idea to check on the National Blood Service’s website before you book an appointment. You can call their helpline on 0300 123 2323.

Can you give blood if you smoke?

Yes, you can give blood if you smoke. It’s best to refrain from smoking on the day of your appointment, however, both before you give blood (because it can increase your blood pressure, which might disqualify you) and for three hours afterward (so you don’t get dizzy and faint!).

What will happen on the day I give blood?

“Giving blood is a relatively simple process and will take about an hour,” says Craig Taylor from NHS Blood & Transplant. All potential donors need to do is:

• Fill in a questionnaire to make sure you and your blood are suitable for donation.
• Get your iron levels tested to check you’re not anaemic.
• Then it’s onto the bed to give your donation, which shouldn’t take more than five or ten minutes.

Well done, the hard part’s over and now it’s time to relax with a cup of tea and a digestive, to allow your blood sugar levels to recover.

Giving blood shouldn’t hurt and each donation takes about 470ml of blood (just under a pint), which your body quickly makes up, so you shouldn’t feel any negative effects after donating.

Where can I give blood?

The National Blood Service holds over 23,000 sessions a year in various halls and buildings all over the country. They also have ‘blood mobiles’ that go to companies so you can donate at work.

If you live in England or North Wales, check out the National Blood Service’s website to find a local session convenient for you. Similar services exist in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so wherever you are in the UK, it should be easy to donate.

“I first gave blood at 17,” says Tamara. “I give blood because it saves lives, especially as my blood type is A+, which is quite rare. A blood mobile regularly comes to my workplace. It’s a great excuse to get away from your desk. There’s nothing to worry about, the nurses and medical staff take great care of you and the discomfort is minimal compared to what you’re doing to help.”

How often can I give blood?

You can give blood every 16 weeks (roughly every four months).

Where does my blood go after donation?

After donation, your blood will be separated into its various components, such as red cells, platelets and plasma, which could potentially save three different lives.

At the moment, only 4% of the eligible population give blood, and although there isn’t currently a national shortage, it’s still important that more people donate. “We use 7,000 units of blood every day in England and North Wales, so we have to match the amount of supply with the ongoing demand,” says Craig.

Hayley Smith, 22, suffers from diamond blackfan anaemia and needs blood transfusions every six weeks. “I don’t make any red blood cells, so without the transfusions I’d be bedridden. But with them, I can go to work, go shopping and do the things that normal 22 year-olds do,” says Hayley. “I’m really grateful to the blood donors who take time out of their day to give something so precious.”

Are there any risks with giving blood?

It’s important to eat and drink something before you donate, otherwise you might feel faint. If you smoke, it’s probably best to give it a miss for a couple of hours after, as it could make you feel dizzy. You may get some slight bruising, but that should soon disappear.

If you do feel faint after donating:

• Sit down and place your head between your knees.
• Don’t do anything strenuous (an hour on the PlayStation should be fine – you’ve earned it)!
• Make sure you drink lots of liquid (but not booze) and eat some food.
• If it persists, call the National Blood Service helpline on 0300 123 2323 to get further advice.

“Most people spend an hour of their day on Facebook or shopping, but in that hour you can potentially save up to three people’s lives,” says Hayley. “I’d like to say thank you to all the people who donate, and all those who would consider donating. You keep me alive.”

Check out the rest of our articles on using health services for more information.