Who can donate blood?
Anyone who is aged between 17 and 60, (or 65 in Northern Ireland) is fit and healthy, and weighs over 50kg (7St 12lbs) can donate blood. People who donate blood regularly can keep on giving blood until the age of 70.

What if I need to take medication?
If you are taking any kind of medication (e.g. medicines, pills, injections) then you need to tell your blood service as these may affect your blood and mean we can’t take your donation for now.

Can smokers or drinkers give blood?
Yes, as long as they are fit and well they will be able to give blood.

I am a vegetarian, can I give blood?
Yes, vegetarians can give blood. After donating blood you will need to eat a well-balanced diet to get enough iron and build up your red blood cells.

Why are people who have had or think they may have received a blood transfusion since 1980 no longer able to give blood?
This is a precaution against the possible risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) being transmitted by donated blood. vCJD is thought to be the consequence of eating contaminated beef, related to BSE (or mad cow disease) in UK cattle after 1980. Fortunately vCJD is very rare, but there is no blood test for it. Contaminated donated blood could transmit vCJD to a patient.

Will I be asked lots of questions before I give blood?
Yes, you will be asked a number of questions, which are important to make sure that giving blood will not affect your health in any way and that your blood is safe for patients. You will be asked about things like medical conditions, because even colds can affect your suitability, although this is usually just temporary.

Can I bring a friend to the blood donation session?
Yes, it is fine to bring along a friend for support. You could even give together.

How much blood will be taken?
About 470ml of blood will be taken, which is well under a pint. Your body will replace that lost fluid in a very short period of time.

Will giving blood affect my health?
If you're fit and healthy, you should not have any problems.

What can I do before and after giving blood?
Before and after giving blood you should drink a lot of liquid and eat normally.

How often can I give blood?
You can donate blood every 16 weeks (about every four months).

What if I develop an infection after I donate?
You should let your blood service know if you become unwell within two weeks of your donation, or if you think there is any reason why your blood shouldn't be given to a patient.

What should I do if I feel faint when I get home?
You should let someone else know if you're feeling a bit faint. Lie down and if possible raise your legs. Make sure that when you get up you do so slowly. If you still feel faint, lie down again.

Can you smoke after giving blood?
It is probably best to not smoke for about two hours after donating. This is because it might make you feel dizzy or faint.

Can I go back to school or work on the same day?
Yes, you should be able to go back to school or work on the same day. But you shouldn’t give blood just before doing vigorous exercise or doing something hazardous.

Where does the donated blood go?
Donated blood will be taken to a blood centre, where tests are done to make sure it's clear of diseases that could affect a patient.

During these tests the blood group for each donation is worked out too. After this the blood is separated into different parts: red cells, plasma and platelets, which produce the various products needed. Once the blood has been sorted and all the tests are clear, the blood is distributed to hospitals.

I've heard that blood is used for research. Isn't it all needed by patients?
Occasionally blood that is not needed for transfusion may be used for research. If blood is used for research it is carefully controlled, ethical approval is requested where appropriate, and no donor is identified.