WHO CAN DONATE?

Blood donors should be between the ages 17 to 70 (60 for new donors).

Blood donors must weigh at minimum of 7st 12lbs (50kg).

Please see FAQs for more general information on donating blood.

YOU SHOULD NOT GIVE BLOOD IF:

1. You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore (the end of a cold is okay).
2. You are taking antibiotics NOW or you have finished taking them within the last 7 days.
3. In the last 12 months you have had hepatitis or jaundice.
4. You have had a tattoo, semi permanent make up or any cosmetic treatments that involves skin piercing in the last 12 months.
5. You are pregnant or have a baby less than 12 months old.
6. A family member has suffered with CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease).
7. You have ever received human pituitary extract (growth hormone or fertility treatments before 1985).
8. You have visited a malarial risk area, even if you have taken malaria prevention tablets, in the last 12 month.
9. 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:

1. You have a serious illness or had major surgery in the past or are on medication at present.
2. You have had complicated dental work recently (simple fillings are okay after 24hrs, simple extractions are okay after 7 days).
3. You have had acupuncture in the last 12 months outside the NHS (unless you can provide the approved practitioners certificate).
4. You have been in contact with an infectious disease or been given certain immunisations in the last 4 weeks.
5. You are presently on a hospital waiting list or undergoing medical tests.
6. You have received a blood transfusion (see above).

YOU SHOULD NEVER GIVE BLOOD IF:

1. You have ever had syphilis, HTLV ( Human T - Lymphotropic virus), hepatitis B or C virus or think you may have hepatitis now.
2. You are a man who has sex with another man, even "safe sex" using a condom.
3. You have ever worked as a prostitute.
4. You have ever injected yourself with drugs, even once.

YOU SHOULD NOT GIVE BLOOD FOR 12 MONTHS AFTER SEX WITH:

1. A man who has had sex with another man (if you are female).
2. A prostitute.
3. Anyone who has injected themselves with drugs.
4. Anyone with haemophilia or a related blood clotting disorder who has received blood clotting factor concentrates.
5. Anyone, of any race, who has been sexually active in Africa (apart from Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia or Egypt) in the past year.

Please do not give blood if you think you need a test for HIV or hepatitis, or if you have had sex in the past year with someone you think may be HIV or hepatitis positive.

Never give blood to get a HIV test.

Confidential tests, advice, help and support are available from the GUM clinic

If you have any unanswered questions

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