How to give blood

by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy

It’s January 2026 – and this new year, perhaps you are thinking of donating blood? Giving blood is one of the most amazing things you can do.  January is blood donation awareness month. You may have lots of questions and concerns. Read on and find out more.

Every 2 seconds someone needs blood

Every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. Each single blood donation saves 3 lives. The commonest reasons that people need blood include going through cancer treatment, having orthopaedic or cardiac surgery, after road accidents or if a person is  living with a blood disorder.

We all know people or have family members going through these procedures. Around 2.5 million litres of blood are transfused every year in the UK. Blood cannot be manufactured – it can only be taken from other human beings as a blood donation.

Is giving blood safe?

Yes?! Research shows that giving blood does not harm your health and is very safe. See the health benefits of giving blood below.

The health benefits of giving blood

Here are some of the benefits of giving blood

• You get a health check – When you go to give blood, you are weighed and measured, your BMI is calculated and your blood pressure taken, so you have medical check up.
• It can improve heart health, blood pressure and cholesterol – Studies show that those who give blood tend to have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. It can even improve cholesterol levels.
• You get an STI check – Your blood is also tested for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, C and E.
• You get tested for diabetes – Your HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) is tested  – a blood test used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes.
• It can help your skin – You may not realise that giving blood also tends to brighten and lighten the skin and can be good for your complexion.
• It burns calories – Each blood transfusion needs 500 calories to replace it. For every 5 donations – you lose a pound in weight.
• It’s an act of kindness – When you give blood, you are engaging with the community. Social connections are good for human health. You will be surprised how good performing this act of kindness makes you feel.

How long to recover?

Within a few days or weeks of giving blood, your body will have replenished the blood cells you lost. Typically, it takes 4 – 8 weeks for you to recover fully. It only takes 48 hours for you to recover the plasma volume.

Myths about blood donation

There are many myths about blood donations.

Here’s a few that are completely untrue –

• You can’t give blood if you have high blood pressure
• You can’t give blood if you have high cholesterol
• You can’t give blood if you have tattoos
• Vegans and vegetarians can never give blood

Who can and can’t be a blood donor

NHS Blood and Transplant have set criteria for who can and can’t give blood.

You can give blood so long as you are –

• Fit and healthy
• Aged 17 – 65
• Weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and 25 stone (158kg)
• Have suitable veins
• Meet the eligibility criteria which will be checked with you before you donate

You are not able to give blood if you’ve

• Had most types of cancer
• Have some specific heart conditions
• Have received blood, platelets, plasma or any other blood products since 1^st June 1980
• Have tested positive to HIV
• Had a solid organ transplant
• Are a carrier for hepatitis B or C
• Have self injected drugs including non prescribed body building and tanning agents

This list is not exhaustive. There are other medical condition which mean you can’t donate. For the full list click here.

What happens at the blood donation appointment?

First you are given 500 ml of fluid to drink over 5 -10 minutes to ensure you are well hydrated for the procedure. You will have completed a Donor Safety Check form which will have been sent to you in the post. You need to bring this with you on the day. You will be given information and asked to read the Donor Consent Booklet, and you can change your mind at any time. A blood sample is taken to check you are not anaemic. If you do not have enough haemoglobin (iron pigment) in the blood ,you will not be able to donate.

Then you will be seated comfortably in a chair. A blood pressure cuff is slightly inflated on your arm to ensure the pressure is maintained throughout the donation. Your arm is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe, a suitable vein is located, and a cannula (plastic tubing) inserted. Only one attempt is made to do this. Most people who have given blood say this is not very painful. The full donation of blood is 480 ml and takes 5 -10 minutes. A machine called an agitator measures the donation and automatically stops collecting blood when the maximum is reached. The cannula is then removed, and a dressing placed on the arm. You are asked to rest for 15 minutes and have some drinks and snacks before going home.

Tips for giving blood

Here’s a few tips on what to do to ensure your blood donation is problem-free

• Drink plenty of water in advance so you arrive well hydrated. This helps them find your veins easily and helps you from getting lightheaded during the procedure.
• Don’t skip any meals – make sure you’ve eaten properly before you arrive.
• Exercise before you arrive to give blood and not immediately after.
• Eat a healthy diet containing iron-rich foods and vitamin C, which helps you absorb iron. You will be advised to leave 3 months before your next donation.
• Avoid hot baths and showers for the rest of the day after your blood donation as this can make you feel faint.

How to start the process of being a blood donor

If you are interested in giving blood, you can sign up here. After your first appointment you can find out your own blood group.

Personal view

I would encourage anyone who is thinking of giving blood not to hesitate but to get on and do it today. My husband has had lymphoma and a bone marrow transplant. We are so grateful to all those who donated for the blood products he received during treatment. Giving blood is safe, simple and so rewarding. The benefits far outweigh any disadvantages – and who knows – one day it could be you who needs that blood transfusion.