England and North Wales
Who Can't Give Blood?
Although most people are potentially able to give blood, some are not.
There are a variety of reasons why we might ask you not to give blood, but they fall into two main
categories. Firstly, if evidence suggests that donating blood could potentially harm you, then to
protect your safety we would ask you not to donate. Secondly, if evidence suggests that your donation
could potentially harm the patient receiving it, then we would ask you not to donate.
This would
include the situation where a specific behaviour may have put you at a higher risk of an infection
which could be transmitted to a patient by blood.
Many of the rules implemented in the UK on who can give blood are a requirement of European law. However, there are a number of expert committees that regularly review the evidence relating to exclusions and deferrals from blood donation. Policies which specifically relate to the safety of blood for patients are recommended to the Government by the independent advisory committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO). A key part of their work is to ensure that the policies applied by the UK Blood Services are based on the best available scientific evidence.
If you are not able to give blood we know this can be disappointing. However, we hope you will understand that our overriding responsibility is to ensure the safety of donors and the safety of blood for patients.
Further information
For information on the work of the advisory committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO), including the review process for donor selection policies, visit: http://www.dh.gov.uk/ab/SaBTO/index.htm
For more information on why men who have had sex with men in the past 12 months are not able to donate please visit the blood donor exclusion page.
For information from the Terrence Higgins Trust on the 12 month fixed period deferral of men who have sex with men from blood donation, visit the Terrence Higgins Trust website
You should not give blood if:
You're a male donor with less than 12 weeks' interval between donations.
You're a female donor who had given blood in the last 12 weeks (normally, you must wait 16 weeks).
You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore.
You're currently taking antibiotics or you have just finished a course within the last seven days or have had any infection in that last two weeks.
You've had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months.
You've had a tattoo, semi-permanent make up or any cosmetic treatments that involves skin piercing in the last 4 months.
You have had acupuncture in the last 4 months, unless this was done within the NHS or by a qualified Healthcare Professional registered with a statutory body.
A member of your family (parent, brother, sister or child) has suffered with CJD (Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease).
You've ever received human pituitary extract (which was used in some growth hormone or fertility treatments before 1985).
You have received blood or think you may have received blood during the course of any medical treatment or procedure anywhere in the world since 1st January 1980.
You may not be able to give blood if:
You've had a serious illness or major surgery in the past or are currently on medication. Please discuss this with the clinical staff. The reason you're taking medicines may prevent you from donating.
You've had complicated dental work. Simple fillings are OK after 24 hours, as are simple extractions after 7 days.
You've been in contact with an infectious disease or have been given certain immunisations in the last four weeks.
You're presently on a hospital waiting list or undergoing medical tests.
You do not weigh over 50kgs (7st 12). Please note, if you are female, aged under 20 years old and weigh under 65kg (10st 3lbs) and are under 168cm (5’ 6”) in height, we need to confirm your estimated your blood volume is over 3500ml.
If you are unsure please call our 24 hour donor helpline on 0300 123 23 23.
Pregnancy
You should not give blood if you are pregnant or you are a woman who has had a baby in the last 6 months.
Travel abroad
Please wait 6 months after returning from a malarial area before giving blood. Please also tell us if you have visited Central/South America at any time. (Those who've had Malaria, or an undiagnosed illness associated with travel, may not however be able to give blood.)
If you are unsure please call our 24 hour donor helpline on 0300 123 23 23.
West Nile virus
Have you been to or plan to go to CANADA, UNITED STATES, ITALY, GREECE, ROMANIA, ALBANIA, ISRAEL, TURKEY, FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC of MACEDONIA, RUSSIA, WEST BANK, GAZA STRIP, PALESTINE, TUNISIA, SERBIA, KOSOVO, HUNGARY or CROATIA between May 1st and November 30th? If yes, please visit our West Nile Virus page, as it might affect you giving blood.
The special problem of HIV and Hepatitis viruses
- Every single blood donation is tested for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and hepatitis B and C.
- Infected blood isn't used in transfusions but our test may not always detect the early stages of viral infection.
- The chance of infected blood getting past our screening tests is very small, but we rely on your help and co-operation.
- People who carry these viruses may feel healthy for many years.
You should never give blood if:
You have ever had syphilis, HTLV (Human T - lymphotropic virus), HIV or hepatitis C.
You've ever worked as a commercial sex worker.
You've ever injected yourself with drugs - even once.
You should not give blood for 12 months after sex with:
A man (if you’re a male). Men who have had anal or oral sex with another man (with or without a condom) are deferred from blood donation for 12 months.
A man who has had sex with another man (if you're a female).
A commercial sex worker.
Anyone who has ever injected themselves with drugs.
Anyone with haemophilia or a related blood clotting disorder who has received clotting factor concentrates.
Anyone of any race who has been sexually active in parts of the world where AIDS/HIV is very common. This includes countries in Africa. (Please be aware that if we have previously made special arrangements for you to donate you should check with our 24 hour helpline on 0300 123 23 23 as we have made some changes to our processes).
Find out where to give blood locally
Simply type your postcode into the below search box to find out where to give blood and book an appointment.
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You can call us on
0300 123 23 23
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Alternatively we can call you Minicom 0845 730 0106
Alternatively we can call you Minicom 0845 730 0106
