Exciting improvements to our testing process

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) are currently implementing an improved process for blood and plasma donors requiring a Malaria Antibody Test (MAT).

This process is implemented in Edinburgh and will be introduced across our Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness sites from 31st October 2025.

Previously, only a sample test was taken initially, and a full donation could be collected during a second visit a few weeks later, following a negative result for malaria antibodies. The new process allows you to give blood or plasma during your attendance, with donations tested for malaria antibodies behind the scenes and available for patients if all test results are satisfactory. This change will enable more of our donors to fulfil their wish to donate while allowing us to collect more blood, ensuring our blood stock levels remain safe.

The final stage of the rollout is planned across Glasgow sites in early December 2025. Until then, donors in the Glasgow area who require a malarial antibody test will continue to provide a small sample in the usual manner. This process also continues to apply to platelet donors.

Thank you for supporting us as we work through this important change. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

I'm a platelet donor. Why is the process different for me?

Platelets have a short shelf life of just seven days. This means that unlike whole blood or plasma, we cannot store your platelet donation while we wait for a negative MAT result. If you donate platelets, it’s always advisable to contact your local donor centre to arrange a malarial antibody test.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is committed to the ongoing enhancement of your donor experience while maintaining our focus on blood safety.

Do I need to do anything differently?

Not at all. If you believe you may need a malaria antibody test, please book your appointment and come along as normal. Our team is on hand to answer any questions you may have.

• Living or travelling outside the UK can affect your ability to give blood. This is because some infections that can be spread by blood transfusion are more common overseas.
• If your malaria antibody test is negative and your other test results are satisfactory, we will not write to you with test results but will gratefully use your donation for patient care.
• If your malaria antibody test is reactive or positive, you cannot be a blood donor, and we cannot use your blood for patients. We will contact you and explain what it means for you.

To find out more, you can get in touch online, by emailing nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot, or by calling 0345 90 90 999 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

You can also read more in our Malaria and donation leaflet.