Donate blood as a New Year's resolution

Specific Groups that are particularly needed to donate blood: 

• Male donors - men can donate more often than women
• Black donors - Ro blood is needed and a common type for black donors
• O negative donors - hospitals need this blood type most regularly, as it can be given to all patients

Things you need to know about donating blood: 

What to do before you come: 

• Eat regular meals,

• Drink plenty of fluid (non-alcoholic) 

• Avoid vigorous exercise or exertion.

We will provide 500ml of fluid just before you donate. By drinking this over about 5 minutes, it will help with your wellbeing during and after donation.

Health screening

• You will be called for private health screening, where a donor carer will confirm your identity. It’s critical that we guarantee an accurate link between you, your Donor Health Check and your donation.

• We must ensure that it's safe for you to donate and your donation is safe for a patient to receive. We’ll ask some confidential questions based on your completed Donor Health Check.

• There is a period of time from contact with any infection to detecting markers in the laboratory. We trust your honesty when answering these personal questions. This will ensure your blood is safe to transfuse to patients.

Your donation

• When you are comfortable on the chair, you will be asked your name, address and date of birth again.

• Blood bags and sample tubes are labelled with unique donor identification numbers. All collection equipment is single use and sterile; only one blood bag is filled with your donation.
• A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm to maintain a small amount of pressure during your donation. The cuff is not used to measure blood pressure.
• Your arm will be thoroughly examined to find a suitable vein before being cleaned with an antiseptic sponge. This kills normal bacteria (germs) on the skin. You will see staff cleaning their hands frequently, using hand wipes or gels.

After donation refreshment

• A selection of drinks and snacks are available at the refreshment table. We encourage donors to relax here for at least 15 minutes and to have at least 2 drinks following donation.
• If you feel unwell, please remain seated and alert a member of staff immediately. Where possible, we encourage you to book an appointment for your next donation.

At home

• If you become unwell (other than a cold or cold-sore) within 2 weeks following your donation, or if you believe there is a reason your blood should not be given to a patient, please call our donor helpline on 0300 123 23 23.
• Please do not have a hot bath on the day of your donation.