27 December 2024
Blood, plasma or platelets: Which New Year's resolution is right for you?
You've decided to start giving blood - brilliant! It's a resolution which has the potential to change lives up and down the country. But what kind of donation should you make?
Blood
- Red blood cells carry oxygen and are used to support major surgery, trauma and childbirth emergencies. They are also used when an illness, such as rheumatoid arthritis or cancer, leads to anaemia, and where red cells break down too soon, such as in sickle cell disorder.
- We'd love everyone to sign up as a blood donor.
- You can start giving blood aged 17, and can donate all over Scotland.
- New donors are particularly welcome.
- During 2025 we aim to increase the number of blood donors in Scotland from 96,000 to 105,000.
Plasma
- Plasma is used for critically ill patients including burns victims, and patients who have lost large volumes of blood and need to have the full range of proteins replaced.
- Plasma can also be used to make immunoglobulin therapy. This is used to help patients with weak immune systems fight infection, both those born with immune disorders, and those who have developed them following cancer, cancer treatments or transplants.
- During 2025 Scotland needs to welcome 1,000 new plasma donors.
- You can give plasma at our donor centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.
- If you’re already a donor with the blood group O+, B+, B-, AB+ or AB- please think about switching to plasma donation.
Platelets
- Platelets are needed for blood to clot and are used when the bone marrow doesn't work properly - for example, during cancer treatment, or when patients can’t produce platelets.
- During 2025 we would love to welcome an additional 300 platelet donors.
- To give platelets you must be able to attend one of our donor centres in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, or Glasgow.
- If you’re an O or A Group donor please think about switching to platelet donation in 2025.