Hands up if you’ve ever given blood. Despite most adults in the UK being eligible to donate, many of us have never done it. And while more women tend to donate than men, research shows that fewer of us are donating year on year, with low numbers being blamed on the pandemic, long Covid and a shortage of NHS staff. 

But the NHS needs around 5,000 donations every day, with just one donation saving up to three lives, and young people are crucial to the UK blood drive. 

“Giving blood is without doubt one of the most amazing things you can do,” says Dr Deborah Lee. “Every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion, and around 2.5 million litres of blood are transfused every year in the UK. Blood cannot be manufactured – it can only be taken from other human beings as a blood donation.”

While it can feel like there are lots of rules and regulations around blood donation – and there are some non-negotiables – for the most part, giving blood is simple, straightforward and quick. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Blood is – quite literally – the life blood of our healthcare service.

“Human blood is the best treatment for a whole range of medical conditions including surgeries and emergency treatments,” explains Dr Gareth Nye, lecturer of physiology at the University of Chester Medical School. “Without donations, someone, somewhere is not getting the care and treatment they require – and we also need a good stock in case of surges in demand.”

According to the NHS blood and transplant service, more young people aged between 17 and 35 are needed to donate in order to secure a supply of blood for the future – so if you’re interested, take this as a sign to register.

If you’re of Black heritage, your blood is particularly sought-after to cope with the increasing demand for ethnically matched blood to treat patients with sickle-cell disease.

And aside from the obvious benefit to the NHS, you can also feel pretty good about the fact that you’re a literal lifesaver. 

If we’ve convinced you to give it a try, you’ll need to register as a blood donor (you can do that here).

Once you’re registered, it should be fairly straightforward to find a local donation centre – usually a large hall, church or similar.

“It’s easy to engage with the NHS blood donation team either at a centre or online,” says Dr Nye. “It is really straight forward to book an appointment via the website and some centres may even allow walk-in appointments.”

There are some quite archaic rules and regulations which have, historically, put people off registering to donate. But the NHS is working hard to make blood donation easier and more inclusive, although there are still some restrictions in place.

“Most people can give blood as long as you’re generally fit and well, are aged between 17 and 65 and weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and 25 stone (158kg),” explains Dr Nye. “In general if you have had cancer or heart conditions you may not be able to donate, similarly if you are positive for HIV, hepatitis or inject non-prescribed drugs you will not be able to. Current sexual health is recorded and may influence the donation, but you’ll be asked to complete a questionnaire before your donation to cover health screening.”

In a word – yes.

“Experience and research show that giving blood does not harm your health and is perfectly safe,” reassures Dr Lee. “In fact, when you go to give blood, you are weighed and measured, your BMI is calculated and your blood pressure is taken, so you have a medical check-up. Studies show that those who give blood tend to have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. It can even improve cholesterol levels. Your blood is also tested for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, C and E, and glycosylated haemoglobin – a test used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes.”

If the testing process flags any problems, you’ll be informed – and within a few weeks, you’ll also receive a text saying where your blood has gone, which feels pretty amazing. 

Once you’ve booked a session, it’s normal to feel apprehensive about the process – but there’s nothing to worry about. Following some simple screening checks – including anaemia – you’ll be given a large glass of water to drink (being well-hydrated helps with blood flow).

Remember – you can change your mind at any point.

Once you’re happy and ready to proceed, you’ll sit in a reclining chair, where you’ll be hooked up to a needle (best to look away now if you’re squeamish) and voila – within around five to 10 minutes, you’ll be all done. The total donation is around 500ml of blood.

Then you’ll be offered a drink and a biscuit (the absolute best part) and you’ll spend around 15 minutes resting (smugly) before being allowed to go home – provided you don’t experience any dizziness. 

Some people may feel a little faint, but this usually passes quickly – you’ll be checked thoroughly before you’re allowed to stand up. And don’t worry – your body makes up the donated blood pretty quickly.

“Within a few days or weeks of giving blood, your body will have replenished the blood cells you lost,” says Dr Lee. “Typically, it takes 4–8 weeks for you to recover fully, and it only takes 48 hours for you to recover the plasma volume.”

You’ll just need to take it easy for the rest of the day, avoiding strenuous exercise or overly hot environments.

And then you can bask in the knowledge that you’re pretty awesome.

“When you give blood, you are engaging with the community and social connections are good for human health,” says Dr Lee. “You will be surprised how good performing this act of kindness makes you feel. Giving blood is safe, simple and rewarding. The benefits far outweigh any disadvantages – and who knows – it could be you one day who needs that blood transfusion.”

Images: Getty