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Category: Leaflets

Total documents: 27

Travel information for blood donors

Travel outside the UK can affect your eligibility to give blood, because you may have been exposed to infectious diseases. We ask all donors about travel outside the UK in the previous 12 months. Our guidelines are updated regularly, so we ask about your travel each time you come to give blood.

Volunteering for genetic blood testing

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is asking a limited number of blood donors to take part in an exciting new project on genetic blood group testing. This leaflet gives more information on the project and what is involved if you are asked to volunteer.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Testing

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). All donations have been tested for live Hepatitis B since 1972; however in April 2022 testing for previous Hepatitis B infection will begin. This leaflet describes the process and what it means for blood donors.

Bruising: Advice for donors

Bruising is a recognised complication of giving blood, although for most affected donors, it is not serious and clears up over a few days. This leaflet tells you how to help prevent bruising, and what to do if you bruise after giving blood.

How to become a blood donor

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service always needs new blood donors and would very much like to welcome you. This leaflet gives you all the information you need to start saving lives.

Fainting: Advice for donors

Occasionally a donor feels sick or dizzy after giving blood, and on rare occasions they may actually faint. This leaflet tells you what to do if you feel faint while giving blood, and how to help prevent it happening.

Female blood donors aged 17-19

New donation guidelines have been introduced for female blood donors aged under 20, taking height and weight into account. This leaflet explains these new criteria in detail.