Page updated - 23 May 2005
Blood Service Website NBS Helpline on 0845 7 711 711 Ceefax - BBC2 Page 465
National Blood Service
Are you eligible to Give Blood?
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Blood Donors must be aged between 17 and 60 years of age
(You may continue to 70 if you are a regular donor & in good health)
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You must weigh at least 7st 12lbs (50kg)
You can give blood if:
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You are on the pill
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If you have had glandular fever and are now fully recovered
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You are asthmatic (inhaler controlled)
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You smoke
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You drink alcohol (please avoid attending a donor session whilst under the influence!)
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You are a diet controlled diabetic
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You have had jaundice or hepatitis over 12 months ago and are fully recovered
You should not give blood if:
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You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore on the day of donation (end of a cold is ok)
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You are on antibiotics or have finished taking them within the last 7 days
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You have had a piercing or tattoo within the last six months
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You have ever injected drugs, even once
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You have been to a malarial area within the last six months