Who can give blood
Most people can give blood. You can give blood if you:
- are fit and healthy
- weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs or 50kg
- are aged between 17 and 66 (or 70 if you have given blood before)
- are over 70 and have given blood in the last two years
How often can I give blood?
Men can give blood every 12 weeks and women can give blood every 16 weeks.
Check you are able to give blood
If you have an existing medical condition or have a question about your eligibility to give blood you should check the health and travel section before you book an appointment.
Common eligibility questions include:
- receiving treatment
- taking medication
- travelling outside of the UK
- tattoos
- pregnancy
- illness
- cancer
- received blood, blood products or organs
If you answered yes to any question on your Donor Health Check questionnaire, you should check the A-Z list of health and travel queries to see if you are able to give blood.
If you have any questions then contact us by completing a web form or call us on 0300 123 23 23.
Women under 20 - check if you can give blood
If you are a woman under 20 and you weigh under 10st 3lb or 65kg or are under 5' 6" or 168cm tall you will need to estimate your blood volume to see if you can give blood. If your weight lies between two of the values shown, please use the nearest lower weight.
Estimated blood volume for female donors aged 17-20:
Estimate
Blood Safety
We must make sure it is safe for people to give blood and for patients to receive donated blood. Blood safety information is below:
You must not give blood or platelets if...
- You think you need a test for HIV/AIDS, HTLV or hepatitis.
You must never give blood or platelets if...
- You are HIV positive.
- You are a hepatitis B carrier.
- You are a hepatitis C carrier.
- You are HTLV positive
- You have ever had or been treated for syphilis
- You have ever received money or drugs for sex.
- You have ever injected, or been injected with, drugs; even a long time ago or only once. This includes body-building drugs and injectable tanning agents. You may be able to give if a doctor prescribed the drugs. Please check with us to make sure.
You must not give blood or platelets for at least 12 months after sex (even if you used a condom or other protective) with...
- If you are a man who, in the last 12 months has had oral or anal sex with another man (even if you used a condom or other protective). More information regarding this ruling about men who have sex with men.
- (If you are a woman) a man who has ever had oral or anal sex with another man, even if they used a condom or other protective. There are exceptions, so please check.
- A partner who is, or you think may be:
- HIV positive
- A hepatitis B carrier
- A hepatitis C carrier
- HTLV positive
- Syphilis positive
- A partner who has ever received money or drugs for sex.
- A partner who has ever injected, or been injected with, drugs - even a long time ago or only once. This includes body-building drugs and injectable tanning agents. You may be able to give if a doctor prescribed the drugs. Please check with us to make sure.
- A partner who has, or you think may have been, sexually active in parts of the world where HIV/ AIDS is very common. This includes most countries in Africa. There are exceptions, so please check with us to make sure.
