Learn about blood, plasma and platelets

How you could change a life

After leukaemia turned Gennaro’s life upside-down, donated blood and platelets helped him stay strong.

Book a donation

What you can donate

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Blood

Let's talk about blood, why it's in demand and how your red blood cells can seriously save lives.

Why donate blood
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Plasma

Want to help more people, more often? The answer is plasma. Find out how it can be used in 18 life-changing ways!

Learn about plasma
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Platelets

They may be tiny, but they make a huge difference for seriously ill patients.

Learn about platelets

Why blood types matter

When someone is given a blood transfusion, they need to be given a blood type that’s compatible with their own.

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Let's look at the finer details

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What happens to donated blood?
You generously donate, but then what? Who exactly does it help?
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Making blood into components
Behind the scenes in our processing centres, we take your donation and turn it into treatments.
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Boost your iron after donating
The iron in your blood is important and some people need an iron boost after they donate.
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Red cell testing kits
Some donated red blood cells can make a difference in another way: as red cell testing kits.

Ready to give life?

Find a donor centre

How to donate blood

Making a donation