- For most operations, you can give blood once you have fully recovered and all wounds are healed.
- Surgery and recovery can vary – please contact us before donating so we can advise you based on your situation.
- There may also be guidelines relating to the condition requiring surgery – please check back to other eligibility criteria (general health, medications etc).
Minor surgery
- You may be able to give blood seven days after minor surgery if you are fully recovered and no longer need follow-up care.
Endoscopy, colonoscopy
- If you have had an investigation or procedure using a flexible scope, you’ll have to wait four months before giving blood.
Major surgery
- After major surgery (any procedure where recovery is not achieved within two months), you will have to wait at least four months before giving blood.
Blood transfusions
- You will be unable to give blood if you have received a blood transfusion since 1980.
- This does not apply if your own blood was given back to you (autologous transfusion). Please get in touch for more information on 0345 90 90 999.
Surgery overseas
- If you have had surgery anywhere outwith the UK or Republic of Ireland, you’ll have to wait at least three months before giving blood.
Waiting for surgery?
- If you are waiting for an operation or another procedure, you may still be able to donate. Please contact us on on 0345 90 90 999 or via our online form before going along to a donor session.
- We will let you know if you can donate before surgery or if you need to wait.