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  |  General Health  |  Diseases and conditions  |  Why we all need to give blood
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Why we all need to give blood

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Giving blood takes under an hour. It's vital that you eat beforehand. Donating blood isn't bad for you but it can make you feel weak - hence the biscuits afterwards. Once you've filled in your forms, the nurse takes a drop of blood from your fingertip. This is to check that giving blood won't make you anaemic. Then you are painlessly hooked up to a bag which holds about 475ml (just under half a litre) of blood. Once the process is finished you get a biscuit and a drink. The nurses make sure you feel well, and then you are free to leave.

The hall was still packed with donors waiting their turn as I left with all my blood intact. But Sarah, 39, a blood donor returning for the third time, said, 'It makes me feel good to give blood. It takes very little time and it doesn't hurt. Honestly, it's not just for the biscuits!'

Who can give blood?
Not everyone can give blood - although some donors may simply be under a time restriction. For example, you'll have to wait clear 12 months to give blood after having a tattoo or piercing. Here are some questions you will be asked before you can donate:

  • Are you aged between 17 and 59?
  • Have you already given blood in the last 16 weeks?
  • Are you pregnant or have a baby less than nine months old?
  • Have you got a chest cough, sore throat or active cold sore?
  • Are you taking antibiotics now, or have done in the last seven days?
  • Have you had acupuncture, ear piercing, body piercing, tattooing or semi-permanent make-up in the last 6 months?
  • Have you received blood since 1st January 1980?
  • Has a member of your immediate family suffered with CJD?
  • Are you HIV positive or do you think you might be?
  • Have you had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months?
  • Are you a carrier of the Hepatitis B or C virus or think you might have hepatitis?
  • Are you a man who has had oral or anal sex with another man (even if you used a condom)?
  • Have you ever received payment for sex with money or drugs?
  • Have you ever injected or been injected with drugs including body-building drugs (even if it was a long time ago or only once)?
  • Have you had sex in the last 12 months with someone who is, or may be, HIV positive or a carrier of hepatitis B or C?
  • Have you had sex in the last 12 months with a man who has had oral or anal sex with another man?
  • Have you had sex during the last 12 months with someone who has received payment for sex with money or drugs or someone who has injected drugs including body building drugs?
  • Have you had sex during the last 12 months with someone who has been sexually active in parts of the world where AIDS/HIV is very common?
  • Have you had a serious illness or major surgery in the past or are you on medication at present?
  • Have you had complicated dental work?
  • Have you been in contact with an infectious disease or been given certain immunizations in the last 8 weeks?
  • Are you presently on a hospital waiting list or undergoing medical tests?
  • Have you been outside the UK (including business) in the last 12 months?
  • Have you ever had malaria or an unexplained fever associated with travel?
  • Have you ever stayed outside the UK for a continuous period of 6 months or more?
  • Have you visited any malarious area in the last 12 months?
  • Have you ever visited Central/South America for a period of 4 weeks or more?

Five fascinating facts about blood
  • Scientists discovered that blood came in different types in 1900
  • The National Blood Service was set up in 1946 to provide blood supplies for all the hospitals in England and North Wales
  • Eight thousand units of blood are needed every day to meet demand, which is constantly rising
  • Blood comes in four main types - O, A, B and AB. Group O is the most common
  • The best place to find blood group O is in the north of England. This goes back to before the 8th century when everyone was in that group - and before the Vikings came and messed up the gene pool!

    How to give blood Check out the National Blood Service or call 0845 77 11 711 (24 hours)
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    Created: 30/09/2004  Updated: 10/10/2007

    This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child, please consult your family's health provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals. For the full Disclaimer, click here.
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