Giving Blood

Last updated: 02 November 2012

Why give blood?

Giving blood can save lives. Blood can be used in different ways to help people. For example you can use it for treating conditions such as cancer or it can be used after accidents or during surgery when people lose a lot of blood.

Can I give blood?

Generally you need to be over the age of 17 to give blood. There are some restrictions on who can give blood - these are there to protect the person giving the blood as well as the person receiving the blood.

You might not be able to give blood if:

If you're ill, e.g. with a cold
If you weigh less than 7st 12lbs
You have had a new tatoo or piercing in the past 12 months.

Visit the Scot Blood website for more information about who can and can't donate.

How can I give blood?

There are local centres all across Scotland where you can give blood. To find out where your one is and when you can donate register to become a donor on the Scot Blood website. They will send you information about your nearest centre and when you can give blood.

What happens when I give blood?

First things first - make sure you have something to eat and drink before you give blood.

When you first arrive you will given a donor information leaflet. You will read this and then fill in the Donor Health check questionnaire. If you've never given blood you'll have a chat with a nurse about what's involved.

Before you give blood the nurse will take a small sample of blood from your finger. This is just to check the haemoglobin level of your blood (basically they're checking to see if your body will be ok to donate a pint of blood).

It usually takes between 10 to 15 minutes to take your blood. On one visit you'll give up to 470mls, this is actually less a pint.

After you've given blood you'll go rest, have something to eat and drink. Then you're free to go!