Coronavirus: latest advice

We need you to keep donating blood, plasma and platelets during this pandemic. Donation is still going ahead even in areas of local lockdown.

To make donating as safe as possible for everyone we have made a few changes to giving blood. Please read the following information before coming to donate:

• Check you are ok to attend a session – read coronavirus health rules for donors 

• Local lockdowns - donation is still allowed even if your local area has increased restrictions  

• Keep your appointment - please reschedule it if you can't come by calling us on 0300 123 23 23

• Wear a face covering - this doesn't have to be a surgical mask, but should be a fabric covering of your mouth and nose

• Attend alone - in the interests of safety please come on your own if you can

• Arrive on time - please arrive at your appointment time (not earlier) to help social distancing

Your coronavirus questions

Am I allowed to come and give blood despite restrictions?

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 

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.

Please read our guidance.

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 hygiene and social distancing.

Do I have to wear a face mask?

Yes. We ask everyone to wear a fabric face covering, not a plastic visor, when they donate. The face covering doesn't have to be a surgical mask but should cover your nose and mouth.

Why is my appointment cancelled?

Keeping our centres open and getting the right balance of blood types is currently more difficult than usual. If we cancel your appointment, please accept our apologies. We only do this when absolutely necessary and we still really need you to try to book again further into the future.

More about closed sessions and cancelled appointments.

Can you tell me if I've had coronavirus?

No, we do not routinely test for coronavirus because there is no evidence it is transmitted through blood donation.

Read about the tests we do on every 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 to help people with coronavirus?

We urgently need people who have had coronavirus, or the symptoms of it, to donate plasma to help patients in need.

Your plasma donation could save lives. Donation is safe and easy and your body quickly replaces the donated plasma and antibodies.

We especially want to hear from men, as they have higher antibody levels.

You cannot donate plasma at a normal blood donation appointment. If accepted, we will book you a special plasma appointment.

Find out more about who can donate convalescent plasma.