How does blood donation work?
Find out what happens when you donate blood, from booking and the health check to the donation and recovery afterwards.
If you've never donated blood before, knowing what to expect can make the experience much easier.
Before your donation
Before donating, check that you are eligible. You may be asked about your health, recent travel, medication, medical history and other circumstances that could affect whether you can donate safely.
Arriving at your appointment
When you arrive, you will normally register and provide the information needed by the donation team. Staff will check that it is safe for you to donate.
The health check
A health check is carried out before donation. Depending on the service and type of donation, this can include health questions and a haemoglobin check.
Giving blood
During a whole-blood donation, blood is collected through a needle into a collection bag. A standard whole-blood donation is approximately 470 ml.
After donating
After your donation, you will normally be given something to eat and drink and asked to take a short period of rest. Follow the advice given by the donation team.
What happens to donated blood?
Donated blood is tested and processed. Whole blood can be separated into components such as red blood cells, platelets and plasma.