Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re thinking about donating blood or simply want to understand more, you’ll find answers to common questions below.

  • Black Blood Matters exists to increase awareness and encourage more Black people to donate blood.

    In the UK, only around 3% of registered blood donors are Black. Yet around 90% of people living with sickle cell disorder — a condition that often requires regular blood transfusions — are of Black African or Caribbean heritage.

    Blood is more likely to be closely matched between people of similar ethnic backgrounds. That means demand for well-matched blood from Black donors is high.

    We focus on education, visibility, and community-led action so that more people feel informed and confident about donating.

  • Black Blood Matters was founded by Georgelene Elliott, a behavioural scientist passionate about reducing health inequalities.

    It began as a university dissertation exploring why blood donation rates were lower within the African-Caribbean community and how behavioural science could help address barriers such as awareness gaps, misconceptions, and trust.

    Today, Black Blood Matters works with communities, organisations, and NHS Blood and Transplant to increase awareness and support more Black donors across the UK.

Understanding Sickle Cell & Trait

  • Sickle cell disorder is an inherited blood condition that affects red blood cells.

    Instead of being round and flexible, the cells can become shaped like a crescent. This makes it harder for blood to move through the body and carry oxygen, which can cause severe pain and other complications.

    It is a lifelong condition.

    Around 18,000 people live with sickle cell disorder in the UK, and an estimated 1 in 10 Black people carry the sickle cell trait.

    Many people with sickle cell require regular blood transfusions.

    Closely matched blood is especially important for reducing complications.

  • Sickle cell is passed down genetically.

    If both parents carry the sickle cell trait (AS):

    • 25% chance the child will have sickle cell disorder (SS)

    • 50% chance the child will carry the trait (AS)

    • 25% chance the child will not carry the gene (AA)

    People with the trait usually do not have symptoms but can pass the gene on to their children.

  • There are several ways to find out if you carry the sickle cell trait:

    • Ask your GP for a haemoglobinopathy blood test.

    • If you donate blood for the first time in England and are of African, Caribbean or mixed heritage, your blood will be tested for sickle cell trait. If you carry the trait and were previously unaware, NHS will contact you.

    • All pregnant women in England are routinely offered screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia.

    • You can contact your local Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Centre directly to ask about testing. The easiest way to find one is to search online for “Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Centre near me” and call to enquire about booking.

    • Private testing is also available through providers such as Medichecks and London Pregnancy Clinic, typically costing between £70–£150, depending on the provider and test type.

    If you are unsure where to start, the Sickle Cell Society can provide information and national signposting.

    Knowing your status can help you make informed decisions, particularly when thinking about family planning.

  • The Ro blood subtype is around 10 times more likely to be found in people of African and Caribbean heritage.

    It is in particularly high demand for treating sickle cell patients because it allows for closer matching and reduces the risk of complications.

    B positive (B+) blood is also more common in people of African and Caribbean heritage.

    More Black donors increases availability of these important blood types.

Blood Donation Questions

  • All blood donation registrations and appointments are managed directly by NHS Blood and Transplant.

    You can register and book an appointment at: www.blood.co.uk

    Black Blood Matters raises awareness and supports donors, but bookings are completed through the NHS.

  • The full appointment takes less than one hour.

    The donation itself usually takes 5–15 minutes.

    One donation can help save or improve up to 3 lives — or up to 6 babies.

  • Donated blood is used every day across the NHS.

    It can help:

    • People living with sickle cell disorder

    • Cancer patients undergoing treatment

    • Mothers experiencing complications during childbirth

    • Patients having major surgery

    • People injured in accidents or emergencies

    • Babies born prematurely

    Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come from donors.

  • Yes. Blood donation in the UK is carefully regulated.

    Before donating:

    • Your health is reviewed

    • Your iron level is tested

    • You can ask questions at any time

    If your iron level is too low, you won’t be allowed to donate.

    Sterile, single-use equipment is always used.

  • This is a common concern, particularly among Black women.

    Your iron level is checked before every donation. If it is below the safe level, you will not be able to donate that day.

    The Donor Nurse will advise you on when you may be able to try again, depending on your levels.

    If you have ongoing concerns about anaemia, speak to your GP before booking.

  • Most people feel fine afterwards.

    You may feel slightly tired on the day. You’ll be advised to:

    • Rest briefly

    • Drink fluids

    • Avoid heavy exercise for the remainder of the day

    Serious reactions are uncommon.

  • Your donated blood is:

    • Tested for infections and safety

    • Separated into components

    • Sent to hospitals across the UK

    You will receive a text message from NHS Give Blood telling you which hospital your donation was sent to.

    In England, blood donated by new donors of African, Caribbean and mixed heritage is tested for sickle cell trait. If you carry the trait and were previously unaware, NHS will contact you by telephone or post.

    Blood is used within the NHS to treat patients who need it.

  • Most people aged 17–65 who are generally fit and well can donate.

    You must:

    • Weigh at least 50kg (7 stone 12 lbs)

    • Meet health and safety requirements on the day

    Eligibility on the day depends on:

    • Travel history

    • Recent tattoos or piercings

    • Medical conditions

    • Medication

    For full guidance, including travel and health considerations:

  • You cannot donate if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the day.

    This includes cannabis.

    NHS staff must be confident that you are able to give informed consent and that donation is safe for you.

    Occasional use — e.g. prescribed medical cannabis — does not automatically prevent donation. The key requirements are:

    • You are not intoxicated at your appointment

    • You feel well

    • You are safe to donate

    It is advisable to avoid smoking in the days leading up to and immediately after your donation, to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting and to support your recovery.

    If unsure, you can speak confidentially with NHS staff before booking.

  • In most cases, yes!

    Having sickle cell trait (AS) is different from having sickle cell disorder (SS). Many people with the trait are eligible to donate.

    Final eligibility is confirmed by NHS Blood and Transplant.

Events & Group Bookings

  • Yes. All donation appointments for our group donation sessions (aka ‘blood drives’) must be booked in advance via the dedicated event page.

    Black Blood Matters provide the vibes, information and support. The donations themselves are carried out by NHS professionals.

  • Yes!

    NHS Blood and Transplant offers a Group Booking Service for organisations wishing to attend a donor centre together.

    Details can be found here: https://www.blood.co.uk/groupbookings/

    Once arrangements are made with NHS, Black Blood Matters may be able to support awareness or engagement depending on availability.

    For partnership enquiries: partnerships@blackbloodmatters.co.uk

  • For interviews or speaking engagements:

    media@blackbloodmatters.co.uk