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  • Haemochromatosis and blood donation

    Genetic haemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders in Scotland. If left untreated, it can cause iron levels in the body to build up over time which may damage organs and joints. The main treatment is taking blood, which is called venesection. This leaflet tells you more about giving blood with the condition.

  • Height and weight chart for female blood donors

    New donation guidelines have been introduced for female blood donors aged under 20, taking height and weight into account. This chart illustrates explains the new criteria.

  • Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Testing

    Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). All donations have been tested for live Hepatitis B since 1972; however in April 2022 testing for previous Hepatitis B infection will begin. This leaflet describes the process and what it means for blood donors.

  • High haemoglobin and blood donation

    Every time you come to give blood, we test your haemoglobin levels first. If you have too much haemoglobin we won’t be able to take your blood this time around. This leaflet explains why, and gives advice on helping decrease your haemoglobin levels.

  • How to become a blood donor

    The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service always needs new blood donors and would very much like to welcome you. This leaflet gives you all the information you need to start saving lives.

  • Low haemoglobin and blood donation

    Every time you come to give blood, we test your haemoglobin levels first. If you don’t have enough haemoglobin, we won’t be able to take your blood this time around. This leaflet explains why, and gives advice on helping increase your haemoglobin levels.

  • Muscle tensing exercise card

    Doing muscle tensing exercises before , during and after you give blood has been proven to reduce your likelihood of fainting. This quick guide demonstrates what you should do, and for how long.

  • Nerve irritation or injury

    This leaflet gives advice on what to do if you have a nerve injury during blood donation, and advice on how to what to do next.

  • Plasma FAQ

    If you are a male blood donor with A or AB blood group, we may sometimes put out a special appeal for you to give blood. This is because the plasma in your blood is the most effective for producing Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) and Cryoprecipitate (Cryo). Find out more about these components and how they can be used in this FAQ.

  • Plasma: Information about your haematocrit levels

    If your haematocrit level is too high, you are not eligible to give plasma at this time. This leaflet explains more about your haematocrit levels, and what steps to take next.

Current blood stock levels across Scotland Thursday 19 June

We aim to retain 6 days of stocks at any time in order to meet the requirements of patients in Scotland.

Learn more about blood types