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Risks of Blood donation

All blood donations are tested thoroughly for certain viruses, but it is not always possible to detect them at the earliest stage of the infection. Very occasionally, viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and C can take several weeks after someone is infected to show up in tests. This means that blood that does not show any signs of infection could still pass on a disease.

You should never give blood if: 

•  you or your partner are HIV positive, 
•  you carry the hepatitis B or C virus, 
•  you have ever worked as a prostitute, 
•  you are a man who has had sex with another man, even using a condom, or 
•  you have ever injected yourself with drugs, even once.

You should not give blood if you think you need a test for HIV or hepatitis, or if you have had sex in the past year with someone you think may by HIV or hepatitis positive. If you are worried you may be at risk, you can talk to the nurse or doctor at the a donor session in complete confidence or you can ring the national donor helpline on 08457 711 711

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