Blood donation in the UK
Blood donation information for the UK. Find upcoming blood donation sessions, learn about blood types and understand why regular blood donors are needed.
Find a blood donation session
Looking for somewhere to donate? Use our session finder to find upcoming blood donation sessions and opportunities to donate.
Find a donation session →Blood stocks
Blood needs to be available when patients need it. Explore blood-stock information and see how supplies change over time.
View blood stocks →Why is blood donation important?
Hospitals need donated blood for many different reasons, including treating people who have lost blood, patients undergoing surgery and people receiving treatment for conditions that require transfusions.
Blood is made up of several components, including red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Different components have different uses and storage requirements.
Learn how blood donation works →
Who can give blood?
Many people can donate blood, but eligibility depends on factors such as age, health, medical history, medication, travel and previous donations. Rules can change, so always check the current requirements with the relevant blood service.
Check whether you can give blood →
Blood types
There are four main ABO blood groups: A, B, AB and O. Each can also be Rh positive or Rh negative, creating the eight familiar blood types.
How often can you donate?
How frequently you can give blood depends on the type of donation and the rules of the blood service you donate with.
Read about donation frequency →