COVID-19 and donating

There have been no reported cases of transfusion-transmission of COVID-19 anywhere in the world, and for this reason we do not need to routinely test blood donors for coronavirus and we can rely on our strict screening processes.

We don’t allow people who are unwell to donate blood and COVID-19 is not considered a transfusion-transmissible disease.

There have been no reported cases of transfusion-transmission of COVID-19 anywhere in the world, and there is now increasing scientific evidence that the risk of this occurring is extremely low.

In line with government guidelines, we consider a positive RAT equivalent to a confirmed case. Therefore, you may donate 7 days after you've made a full recovery from COVID-19 (or 7 days after the date of the positive test if you don’t have any symptoms).

No, you do not need to be tested, but you do need to feel well and healthy. If you’re feeling well, we’d love to see you in one of our donor centres soon. If you’re unsure about your eligibility to donate, please call us on 13 14 95.

Currently, you may donate 7 days after you've made a full recovery from COVID-19. The 7 days begins on the first day once you are symptom-free.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 but do not develop any symptoms, you may donate 7 days after the date of the positive test result.

All donors need to feel well to be eligible to donate. We also ask donors to complete a questionnaire, which includes questions which aim to protect both the health and well-being of the donor and the patient who may receive their blood.

Thank you for your interest in donating. We don’t accept donations from people who are feeling unwell. The health and safety of our donors is very important, so we ask that you take time to fully recover and give us a call on 13 14 95 when you are back to full health and we can get you booked in to donate.

You can donate if you have had household close contact with a case of COVID-19, as long as you remain well. However, we recommend you consider whether you can reschedule your donation, if convenient.

We want to reassure everyone that our donor centres are centres of wellness. Only healthy people are eligible to donate with individual donors screened for any indication they may be unwell when they book to donate. Those who are sick are asked to wait until they are fully recovered before booking in.

Our centres are strictly regulated spaces so we have always adhered to strict sanitation protocols including wearing gloves, wiping down surfaces after every donation and using single use sterile collection kits for every donation.

Face masks are not mandatory at donor centres. However, you can still wear a face mask if you prefer.

Currently face masks are optional for staff and donors in donor centres. Donor centres aren’t medical care facilities and donors and staff members need to be healthy and well to donate or work, so we’re following the general government guidelines for use. We understand that some donors would prefer our staff to wear a face mask, so if that is the case please let our staff members know.