NHS Give Blood

NHS Give Blood: blood and plasma donation in the UK health system

NHS Give Blood is the blood donation service of the UK's public health system. Its work focuses on recruiting donors, managing appointments to donate blood or plasma, and providing information about the donation process. The website allows you to register as a donor, book, cancel or reschedule an appointment, and check eligibility requirements.

Types of donation

The service covers several types of donation:

• Blood donation.
• Plasma donation.
• Platelet donation.
• Stem cell donor registration.
• Tissue donation.
• Cord blood bank.
• Organ donation.

Plasma donation has specific sections on what plasma is, who can donate it, where and how to do it, and the process for switching from blood to plasma donation. Stem cell registration explains what stem cells are, how to donate them, how to join the register and the matching process.

Requirements and donation process

Eligibility to donate is determined by health criteria and other factors. The website details who can give blood, travel considerations, occupation considerations, the situation for men who have sex with men, and donation for people with disabilities. It also describes the full process: your first donation, registering online, getting an appointment, preparing beforehand, what happens on the day of donation and afterwards.

Donation and sickle cell

The service highlights that some blood types are particularly valuable for treating people with sickle cell. The website invites you to learn about this condition and how donation can help those who have it.

Access and appointment management

Donors can register online and, once an account is created, download the NHS Give Blood app to book and manage their appointments. You can also contact by phone to ask questions or book an appointment. The website offers help and support sections, as well as information about donation venues and the rules for children at those venues.

Institutional information and resources

The site includes sections on who we are, what we do and how we help, as well as news and campaigns. News and official statements are published, and resources are offered on the demand for different blood types, blood types and how donated blood is used. It also explains who you could help by donating.