Here are a few of the questions we're often asked about donation. If you have another question contact us and we'll do our best to answer it.
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Blood donation
Organ donation
Tissue donation
Bone marrow donation
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.
Find out more at the Virtual blood donation session.
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. Find out where to donate by visiting the Donor map.
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).
How do I register on the NHS Organ Donor Register?
You can register on the NHS Organ Donor Register online or phone the Organ Donor Line at any time on 0845 60 60 400. You may also see leaflets in your doctor's surgery, or you can tick a box when you apply for your provisional driving license.
Do I need to join the NHS Organ Donor Register if I have a donor card?
Yes, you should join the register even if you have a donor card. This is because donor cards can get lost or damaged and you might not always have it on you. Joining the register is a safer way of expressing your wishes, but you can still carry a card if you want. Talk to your family about your wishes because they would be asked by medical staff to confirm what you want to happen after your death.
Will the doctors just let you die if they know you want to be a donor?
No. Doctors will always make every possible effort to save the patient's life because that is their first duty. Only if the patient dies despite their best efforts would a team of transplant specialists be called in to consider organ donation.
How do they know you are really dead?
There are well-established, clinical procedures for confirming when someone has died. Organs are never removed until after this has happened and the process is handled by a completely separate team of doctors and nurses.
Who can donate tissue?
Most people can be considered for tissue donation after death. The donor's medical and behavioural history is reviewed to ensure that donated tissue won't infect the patient. A blood sample will be taken too and tested for viruses such as HIV and hepatitis. It is important to discuss your wishes with your family so that they can confirm your wishes to medical staff after your death.
What happens if you join a bone marrow registry?
When you join a registry a letter will be sent out to confirm that your blood sample has been received. When you have been approved to become a bone marrow donor your details and tissue type will be put into a confidential register.
What happens if a potential donor match is found?
If a potential donor is found for a patient, the donor will be asked to supply another blood sample for a more detailed tissue typing. There is a one in ten chance that the potential donor will be a match for the patient at this stage.
What happens if the donor and patient do match?
The donor will be invited to discuss what is involved with the clinical staff. They will have a medical examination and blood tests before donation goes ahead. This is either by donating the bone marrow itself during a simple procedure in hospital or by donating stem cells from the circulating blood using a cell separator machine.
