How is it performed? of Blood donation

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Blood donor sessions take place all over the country throughout the year. Many donor units are mobile and there are often donor centres within large cities. Telephone the National Blood Service on 08457 711 711 to make an appointment at your local centre, or visit their website for details www.blood.co.uk.

Your session will last about an hour. When you arrive, you will be asked to complete a health check questionnaire and undergo a confidential interview. If you choose to make subsequent donations you will still be asked to complete the questionnaire but the interview will be much shorter. The donor carer will then take a drop of blood from your finger to check that you are not anaemic. If the level of iron in your blood is too low, it will not be safe for you to make a donation on that day.

The donation itself lasts about ten minutes, in which time 470ml (around three quarters of a pint) of blood is taken. A sterile needle is inserted in a vein at the elbow and discarded after a single use - they cannot transmit infection. After a short rest, a drink and a biscuit, you will be ready to leave.

With your agreement, the blood you donate will be tested to find out your blood group and screen for any infection. If the tests reveal a problem, you will be informed in confidence and advised of whom to consult.

It is also important to contact the donor helpline if you develop any illness during the fortnight following a donation.

Often, there is a need for certain components of the blood, such as platelets. Automated component donation is a specialised service where donors are connected to automated cell separator machines which separate the blood into all its various components. Blood is extracted from the donorâ€™s arm, the required part- e.g. platelets- is immediately separated and the remaining blood cells are returned. Because most f the red cells are returned, the donor can safely give platelets again sooner than the average 16 weeks. In some cases, this can be every two weeks.