Consumer champion Martin Lewis has issued a rallying cry for blood donors after a personal attempt to give blood was unsuccessful. The financial guru took to social media to explain that he was turned away from donating due to a minor medical issue, prompting him to use his platform to highlight the ongoing need for volunteers.
A Personal Setback for a Public Cause
In a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Lewis shared his experience from yesterday. "They didn't want my blood, but they probably want yours," he wrote. He detailed that despite being unable to donate himself, staff at the donation centre informed him that there is a significant need for donors. Lewis stated, "As I couldn't help by giving, instead, I thought I'd publicise this...", shifting his focus towards raising awareness for the vital service.
The service in question is run by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), which manages blood donation in England and transplant services across the entire United Kingdom.
Who Can and Cannot Donate Blood?
The process of donating blood involves having a needle placed in your arm while you remain seated until approximately 470ml – just under a pint – has been collected. This procedure typically takes between five and ten minutes.
However, not everyone is eligible to donate. The NHS has strict criteria to ensure the safety of both the donor and the patients who will receive the blood. All potential donors must be "generally fit and well" and will undergo a comprehensive health and lifestyle screening before proceeding.
Key eligibility requirements include being:
- Aged 17 to 65 for a first donation, or up to 72 if you have donated before.
- Weighing between 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and 25 stone (158kg).
- Having suitable veins, which is assessed on the day.
Conversely, there are several conditions that permanently prevent someone from donating. These include, but are not limited to:
- Having had most types of cancer.
- Having some heart conditions.
- Having tested positive for HIV or being a hepatitis B or C carrier.
- Having received an organ transplant.
- Having received blood, platelets, plasma or any other blood products after 1 January 1980.
- Having injected non-prescribed drugs, including body-building and injectable tanning agents (unless prescribed by a doctor).
Temporary Deferrals and Donation Frequency
NHSBT also outlines scenarios that require a temporary waiting period before you can donate. You may need to wait for up to three months if you have recently had anal sex with a new partner or have completed a course of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
Other common reasons for a temporary deferral include recent tattooing, travel outside the UK, or simply feeling unwell on the day of your appointment.
For those who are eligible, the frequency of donation differs by gender. Men can give blood every 12 weeks, while women can donate every 16 weeks. This difference is due to men generally having higher iron levels. The guidance also notes that individuals with genetic haemochromatosis may be able to donate as frequently as every six weeks.
For more detailed information on how your specific health, lifestyle, or profession might affect your eligibility, you can visit the official NHS Blood and Transplant website. Prospective donors can also call 0300 123 2323 to check their eligibility directly.
