We, as in the donor, don't get paid for it.
You should not give blood if:
1 You've already given blood in the last 12 weeks (normally, you must wait 16 weeks).
2 You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore (although the end of a cold is OK).
3 You're currently taking antibiotics or you have just finished a course within the last seven days.
4 You've had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months.
5 You've had ear or body piercing or tattoos in the last 6 months.
6 You've had acupuncture in the last 6 months outside the NHS (unless you can produce the approved certificate from your acupuncturist or physiotherapist).
7 A member of your family (parent, brother, sister or child) has suffered with CJD (Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease).
8 You've ever received human pituitary extract (which was used in some growth hormone or fertility treatments before 1985).
9 You have received blood or think you may have received blood during the course of any medical treatment or procedure in the UK since 1st January 1980.
You may not be able to give blood if:
1 You've had a serious illness or major surgery in the past or are currently on medication. Please discuss this with the clinical staff. The reason you're taking medicines may prevent you from donating.
2 You've had complicated dental work (although simple fillings are OK on the same day, as are simple extractions after 24 hours).
3 You've been in contact with an infectious disease or have been given certain immunisations in the last four weeks.
4 You're presently on a hospital waiting list or undergoing medical tests.
5 You do not weigh over 50kg (7st 12). If you are unsure please feel free to call our 24 hour donor helpline on 0845 7 711 711.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or you are a woman who has had a baby in the last 9 months.
Travel abroad
Please wait 12 months after returning from a malarial area before giving blood, unless Malaria Antibody Testing has been introduced in your area. Please also tell us if you have visited Central/South America at any time. (Those who've had the disease, or an undiagnosed illness associated with travel, will not however be able to give blood.)
West Nile Virus
Have you been to or plan to go to CANADA or the UNITED STATES this Summer? If yes, please click here, as it might affect you giving blood.
The special problem of HIV and Hepatitis viruses
• Every single blood donation is tested for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and hepatitis B and C.
• Infected blood isn't used in transfusions but our test may not always detect the early stages of viral infection.
• The chance of infected blood getting past our screening tests is very small, but we rely on your help and co-operation.
• People who carry these viruses may feel healthy for many years.
You should never give blood if:
1 You carry the hepatitis B virus, the hepatitis C virus or the HIV virus.
2 You're a man who's had sex with another man, even "safe sex" using a condom.
3 You've ever worked as a prostitute.
4 You've ever injected yourself with drugs - even once.
You should not give blood for 12 months after sex with:
1 A man who has had sex with another man (if you're a female).
2 A prostitute.
3 Anyone who has ever injected themselves with drugs.
4 Anyone with haemophilia or a related blood clotting disorder who has received clotting factor concentrates.
5 Anyone of any race who has been sexually active in Africa (apart from Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia or Egypt) in the past year. The main route of HIV infection in Africa is through heterosexual sex.
Please do not give blood if you even think that you need a test for HIV or hepatitis, or if you had sex in the past year with someone you think may be HIV or hepatitis positive.
secure.blood.co.uk/c11_cant.aspI think the reason we have so few donors in Scotland is because most of us would fall into one of those categories.