Coronavirus: latest advice
Blood and platelet stocks are good but please keep donating. Please read the following advice before you come to give blood.
Thank you to all the donors who are keeping blood and platelet levels steady during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dealing with extra distancing and adding new appointments for plasma donors for COVID-19 research means we have had to cancel some blood appointments. Sorry if you have not been able to donate.
If you have never given blood before, you may not find an appointment straight away – find out more about joining our donor community
Giving blood during COVID-19
If you are hoping to donate soon, please read the following advice before you come.
Check you are ok to attend a session and able to donate – there are health rules specific to the coronavirus situation
Check for cancellations – we will text or email you if we can. There are also session cancellations listed regularly online
You will need to wear a face covering - you will also experience new coronavirus safety at sessions
Be aware of the changing donation advice - we update this page when rules change. There is no longer any age-related restriction for existing donors aged over 70.
Coronavirus advice for donors
Your coronavirus questions
Am I allowed to come and give blood despite social distancing?
Yes. Giving blood and platelets has continued throughout the pandemic. Please take sensible precautions when travelling and be assured that we will look after you when you arrive.
Do you need new donors?
At the moment we particularly need:
- Male donors - men can donate more often than women
- Black donors - Ro blood is needed and a common type for black donors
- O negative donors - hospitals need this blood type most regularly, as it can be given to all patients
We always need new donors to join the community and help ensure people get the blood they need both now and in the future.
Thousands of people have registered recently so you may have to wait for an appointment. Your help will be needed in the future and we'll get in touch when there's space to donate.
Find out more about becoming a blood donor.
Can I donate if I think I've had coronavirus?
You should confirm your situation before coming to donate.
Is it safe to come and donate?
Yes. We have introduced several changes to give donors confidence about hygiene and social distancing.
Find out more about what we are doing.
Do I have to wear a face mask?
Yes. You will need to wear a face covering when you donate. The face covering doesn't have to be a surgical mask but should cover your nose and mouth.
This is in line with government guidance about wearing face covering indoors where social distancing isn’t always possible.
Why is my appointment cancelled?
Due to coronavirus changes, we have had to cancel some appointments and some of our blood donation sessions may occasionally close or be temporarily relocated. We will always try to contact you to let you know.
Find out about closed sessions.
Will my blood be tested for coronavirus?
No we do not test for coronavirus because there is no evidence it is transmitted through blood donation.
I am over 70, can I donate?
Yes. You can continue to donate if you are well and have given a full donation in the last two years. There is no longer a restriction because of government guidelines.
Can I donate plasma for research into COVID-19?
We are collecting convalescent plasma from people who have recovered from a confirmed case of coronavirus.
You cannot donate plasma at a normal blood donation appointment.
