During Donation

Allow enough time

Although a donation only takes approximately 8 minutes, you will need to allow 60-90 minutes for the entire process, i.e. from the time you register to resting afterwards while enjoying refreshments.  

Registration

All Donors are asked to bring Photo ID. This helps maintain blood safety by verifying donor's identity. 

Donor Interview

You will be asked to complete a health and lifestyle questionnaire. You will then have an interview with a trained healthcare professional to determine if you are eligible to donate. This is to ensure that it is safe for you to donate and safe for a patient to receive your blood.

All information provided by you will be treated in the strictest confidence. There may be reasons why you cannot donate and if you are not eligible, the reason for this will be fully explained to you and you will be advised when you can return to donate. 

Haemoglobin Testing

If you are eligible to donate you will have your Haemoglobin tested. This test is carried out on a capillary sample, i.e. a small drop of blood taken from your fingertip. 

Donation

A needle attached to a blood pack is inserted into one of the veins in your forearm. Your donation is collected into this pack.  Blood samples are collected from this pack during the donation and these are tested in the laboratory post-donation. 470 mls of blood is collected during the donation and this takes approximately 8 minutes. You will be closely monitored by a staff member during this time.