07/10/2026
In lieu of sickle cell month, the House of Medics Manchester planned a blood drive last weekend. Imagine our surprise when we were declined! Here is how to avoid this:
1. Anaemia: The minimum haemoglobin thresholds required to donate are-Women: At least 125 g/L (12.5 g/dL)
Men: At least 135 g/L (13.5 g/dL)
So if you can get an up to date record of your haematology levels from your GP
1. Travel: so travel rules change based on outbreaks and regional disease risks. In general if you have travelled to Africa, central or South America and Asia within the last 6 months wait at least 4 weeks before booking an appointment to donate bloods. This also depends on if you fell ill during/after the trip, are symptomatic/ require certain blood tests. Always visit gov.uk or NHS blood donation eligibility tool for specific information.
2. Iron supplementation: get your iron up, either by diet,or wait until your iron treatment is finished and you are no longer anaemic before you book that appointment. If you have Iron deficiency anaemia that requires medication for maintenance then you are ok to give blood
3. Suitable veins: surprisingly if your veins are too small, blood can’t be given. But this can be a quick fix, usually small veins are due to being dehydrated, so at least 24hrs before, try to drink up to 2l. In general stay hydrated consistently. Extra tips: avoid caffeine and alcohol, eat well balanced meals
4. Already donated bloods: some of you are eager and that’s the energy we love to see! However there is a set time you must wait before giving blood. Women: every 16 weeks (up to 3 times a year). Men every 12 weeks (up to 4 times a year).
5. Ideal weight , it’s between 50kg-158kg. If you are out of the range, then give yourself time to get to the target weight to meet the criteria before you book that appointment
Overall what we want is a general fit and healthy individual.
Hopefully this was helpful and if it was share with a friend, family member or colleague; let’s start donating blood and beat the statistics!
For more information please read: NHS blood donation eligibility tool for specific information.
