Can I donate?

If you're between 17 and 65 and in general good health you can probably donate. If you have given blood before we can accept you above this age. You must leave a minimum of 12 weeks between donations. Our donor selection guidelines are in place to ensure it is safe for you to donate and safe for patients to receive your blood. Even if you are on regular medication this may not prevent you donating.

Common reasons you might not be able to give blood today:

• Weight
  If you weigh less than 7st 12lbs (50kg) you will be unable to donate.
• Pregnancy
  You are unable to donate blood during pregnancy. Please wait nine months after giving birth before donating.
• Travel
  Holidays or other travel abroad in the last year may influence your eligibility to donate. Please read our travel related risks leaflet for information on malaria, West Nile Virus and other travel related infection.
• Dentist
  If you have visited your dentist within the last 24 hours or had a tooth extraction or root treatment in the last seven days you will be unable to donate at present.
• Tattoo/Piercing
  You must wait for 12 months after a tattoo or piercing before giving blood.
• Surgery
  If you have had an endoscopy in the last six months you will be unable to donate. You may be able to give before this if you have had minor or keyhole surgery.
• Coughs, colds and other minor illnesses
  If you are unwell, please wait until you have recovered before giving blood.
• Blood tests and other investigations
  Please wait until you have received your results from your doctor before donating. There is no need to wait for the results of routine screening tests such as a smear or mammogram.

 We are unable to accept donations if you:

• have received, or think you may have received, a blood transfusion since 1980
• have HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HTLV
• think you need a test for HIV, HTLV or hepatitis
• have ever injected illegal drugs
• have ever been given money or drugs for sex