Why give blood?

Blood drop Most people can give blood. If you are generally in good health, between the ages of 17 and 70 (65 for your first donation) and weigh at least 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg), you could start giving blood. Women between the ages of 17 and 19 who weigh less than 10 stone 3lbs (65kg) and whose height is below 5 feet 6 inches (168cm) need to check their blood volume estimation before donating.

Male donors could be eligible to give blood at a maximum frequency of every 12 weeks (4 times per year) but normally less often. Female donors could be eligible to give blood at a maximum frequency of every 16 weeks (3 times per year) but normally less often.

A confidential health interview helps us to be sure that you are fit to give blood and that your blood will be safe for the patient who receives it. If there are reasons why you can't give blood, you can still encourage others to donate.

As well as checking that you are not anaemic, we also need your agreement to test your donation. This will tell us your blood group and enable us to screen for any infection. If the tests reveal a problem, we will inform you in the strictest confidence and advise you who to consult.

Blood saves lives and it’s not just for accident and emergencies but also for patients undergoing surgery, premature babies and those requiring regular treatment for anaemia, cancer and blood diseases.

The first organised panel of blood donors was established in the Isle of Man in 1939. At that time, blood could not be stored and when a transfusion was required a volunteer of that blood group had to be called to the hospital. Since then, we have relied on the generosity of our blood donors to maintain a reliable supply of blood for all the people who need it.