New supply of donors needed each day

Only four per cent of those who are eligible to donate blood in Scotland actually come forward and do so.

Because there are many reasons why some people cannot donate, that makes it even more important to give blood if and when you can.

Adults and children who have anaemia, cancer and blood disorders are dependent on regular blood donations – and most cannot survive without them.

Every minute, four units of blood are issued to UK hospitals where they are also given to people who require major and emergency surgeries, including blood loss after child birth.

To meet this demand, 5,000 people need to give blood every day – and nearly 400 new donors are required to donate for the first time on a daily basis.

As soon as you turn 17, you are of an eligible age to donate.Yet, over half of regular blood donors are over the age of 45, which is why charity Give Blood 4 Good is on a missiontoengagemoreyoungand diverse donors.

You can give blood if you are: fit and healthy; weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs and 25 stone (50kg and 158kg); aged between 17 and 66; over 70 and have given a full blood donation in the last two years. If you are under 5’4”you will need to weighmorethan110poundsto safely donate.

There are eight major blood types, and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service aims to have six days’supply of each at all times.

After blood donations are tested for infections, they are separated into three components – red blood cells, plasma and platelets – and one blood donation can save or improve the lives of up to three people.This means that the exact products can be given to those who need them, while ensuring that none of the donated blood goes to waste.

Womenaged17-34arealmost twice as likely to donate than men the same age.

Becausementendtohavemore iron and a higher platelet, they can give blood every 12 weeks, while womencandonateevery16weeks.

Only men’s blood can be used for blood transfusions in newborn babies, highlighting the pressing needformorementodonate regularly.

If you’ve had a Covid-19 vaccine or booster as part of the UK vaccination programme, you can book in to give blood 48 hours after your jab.

Scotland’s patients need you.To bookanappointment,makean enquiry, or sign up as a blood donor, call 0345 90 90 999.