HOW TO GIVE BLOOD

✣ Register with my.blood.co.uk to see if it’s possible for you to become a blood donor.

✣ Most people between the ages of 17 to 65 can donate.

✣ If accepted, before your appointment to donate blood, eat regular meals, drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic) and avoid vigorous exercise.

✣ At the donor unit, you will be given 500ml of water just before you donate – drink this over five minutes.

✣ A small amount of blood is taken from your finger to ensure you have enough haemoglobin (iron) in your blood before donating.

✣ A blood pressure cuff is placed on your arm to maintain a small amount of pressure during the procedure – it is not measuring your blood pressure.

✣ A suitable vein is found and a needle inserted to withdraw blood.

✣ An agitator scale measures your donation and stops automatically when the full amount of blood (470ml) is collected.

✣ This procedure normally takes between five and 10 minutes.