Blood is essential for life, and there is currently no artificial substitute. When someone loses blood due to an accident, surgery, or medical condition, they need donated blood to replace it. Some conditions, such as sickle cell disease or certain cancers, require regular transfusions to manage symptoms and prolong life.
The UK needs around 135,000 new donors every year to replace those who can no longer donate due to age, illness, or other factors. Blood only lasts a short time outside the body – red cells can be stored for up to 35 days, while platelets only last for seven. This means there is a continual need for fresh donations.
Who can donate blood?
According to NHS guidelines, most people aged between 17 and 65, who are fit and healthy and weigh between 50kg and 160kg, can donate blood. Before your first donation, you’ll fill out a health questionnaire and have a quick check-up to ensure it’s safe for you to give.
There are a few reasons someone may be temporarily or permanently unable to donate – for example, if they’re on certain medications, have recently had a tattoo or piercing, or have visited certain countries. You can check your eligibility at blood.co.uk.
What happens at a blood donation appointment?
Giving blood in the UK is straightforward and usually takes less than an hour from start to finish.
- Registration – When you arrive, you’ll be asked to confirm your details.
- Health check – You’ll fill out a questionnaire and have a finger-prick test to check your haemoglobin levels.
- Donation – You’ll lie on a comfy chair while around 470ml (just under a pint) of blood is collected. The process takes 5–10 minutes.
- Recovery – Afterwards, you’ll be offered a drink and a snack while you rest for 15 minutes.
Most people feel fine after donating, though it’s recommended to avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
Where does the blood go?
After donation, your blood is sent to an NHS Blood and Transplant centre where it is tested, processed, and separated into components – red cells, platelets, and plasma. This allows it to be used in the most effective way possible.
The components are then distributed to hospitals across the UK. Whether it’s an emergency room in Birmingham, a cancer ward in Glasgow, or a maternity unit in London, your blood could travel miles to reach someone in need.
Who does it help?
Blood donations benefit a wide range of people:
- Trauma victims involved in road accidents or emergencies.
- Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.
- Surgical patients, especially during major operations.
- People with blood disorders, such as thalassaemia or sickle cell disease.
- Premature babies needing transfusions to survive.
One donation can save or improve up to three lives.
Understanding blood groups
Not all blood is the same. There are eight main blood groups, and matching the right one is vital to prevent dangerous reactions:
- O negative – Universal donor; can be given to anyone. In emergencies, it’s the go-to type.
- O positive – The most common type and widely used.
- A and B groups – Can donate to and receive from matching and compatible types.
- AB positive – Universal plasma donor, can receive red cells from all groups.
- AB negative – The rarest type; vital for specific cases.
Because some blood types are rare, there’s always a high demand for donors with them – particularly O negative, B negative, and Ro subtype, which is vital for sickle cell patients.
How you can help
The simplest way to start is to register online at blood.co.uk and book an appointment at a local donation centre. The NHS Blood and Transplant service makes it easy to find a convenient time and place.
If you’ve donated before, consider making it a regular habit. You can give blood every 12 weeks if you’re a man and every 16 weeks if you’re a woman.
Donate blood UK
Donating blood is a small act with a massive impact. It takes less than an hour, is virtually painless, and could literally save lives. In a world where so much is out of our control, giving blood is one thing we can do to help others – and it costs nothing.
If you’re healthy and eligible, why not take that step today? Visit blood.co.uk and become someone’s hero. The NHS – and countless patients – are counting on you.
