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If giving is in your blood, please help

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Home > Giving Blood > Donating Platelets > How often can I donate?

How often can I donate?

Platelet donors can donate more frequently than blood donors – multiple times per year.

We know your time is precious so however often you can donate, you’ll be helping to save lives!

Once you join the platelet panel, we ask you to give platelets only. If you decide to return to donating blood after donating platelets, you will need to wait 4 weeks before giving blood.

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If you have any questions or are still unsure if you can donate, please get in touch and we will be happy to help.

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Why do we ask this?

Studies have shown that Covid-19 could cause damage to the heart and blood vessels and that this damage could last beyond recovery from the virus.

Why do we ask this?

The Welsh Blood Service only covers Wales. England, Scotland and Northern Ireland all have their own blood services.

When and if you have donated will indicate what eligibility questions we ask you.

Why do we ask this?

If you have had cancer you are not able to donate blood/plasma. This is both for the safety of yourself and the safety of patients.

Why do we ask this?

If you have inflammatory bowel disease you cannot donate. This is for your safety and the safety of patients.

Why do we ask this?

If you have had, or think you have had, a blood transfusion (or blood products) anytime since 1st January 1980 we cannot accept your blood/plasma. This is to reduce the risk of variant CJD (vCJD) being passed from donor to patient.

Why do we ask this?

You are not able to donate if you have a history of heart conditions. Removing blood/plasma from your circulation may put you at risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other vascular incident.

Why do we ask this?

You are unable to donate until a full 6 months from the birth of your baby.

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