How To Donate
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How To Donate
Sophie Spiegler (National Blood Service PR ) gives expert video advice on: What are the options available to people who want to give blood?; Do I have to register to give blood?; How can I find out where my nearest session is? and more...
What are the options available to people who want to give blood?
If someone wants to give blood, the general procedure is to register first. So, you can either do this through our website, www.blood.co.uk, you can give our national help line a call, which is 0845 7 711 711, or you can go to a local donating session if they're operating walk-in sessions at the time. You go in and you would register then and there.
Do I have to register to give blood?
You will have to register in order to give blood, although this information will be kept in the strictest confidentiality. You can register by our website www.blood.co.uk or our national helpline 084 5771 1711 or you can go to one of our local sessions in order to register. That way you can give blood at the same time. Information on our local sessions can be found on our website or you can also find it in local media as well, such as the local newspaper.
How can I find out where my nearest session is?
You can find out information on your nearest session through our website or you can give our national helpline a call. You will also find that local media occasionally publish the local session details.
Do I have to make an appointment?
In order to give blood at a local session you don't have to make an appointment. We do operate walk in sessions, but we would recommend making an appointment which basically helps make your stay a bit more trusted.
How should I prepare for my donation?
In order to prepare for you donation we recommend drinking lots of non-alcoholic fluids before. Also, eat regular meals but don't change your daily routine. Make sure you've eaten them.
Will I be able to go before or after work?
Giving blood shouldn't take more than an hour, so you can fit it in your day. You can do it on your lunch hour. You can go to work before. You can go to work after. The only time we wouldn't recommend giving blood before going to work is if you have a job driving in emergency services, operating a crane. In these scenarios, we would definitely recommend you to leave a gap of at least two hours before going back to work, just to ensure that you are fully recovered. Some people feel a little bit faint and dizzy after giving blood, but other than that, you can fit it into your daily lifestyle.