Free blood type testing now available to find new donors

For the first time people can walk into their local Birmingham Boots pharmacy to find out their blood type and it’s completely free.

NHS Blood and Transplant is partnering with Boots to provide up to 25,000 free self-testing blood type kits in stores, with the aim of increasing blood donations and to find those with most-needed blood types.

Right now, the NHS needs more O negative and B negative donors as well as more donors of Black heritage who are vital to helping treat patients with sickle cell.
 
NHSBT research shows that less than half of people know their blood type. It is hoped that discovering their blood type will encourage more people in Birmingham to register as a donor and book an appointment at the city’s donor centre or at a nearby mobile session.
 
The testing kit uses a small drop of blood and a litmus-style test card to show a person's likely blood type in around five minutes. Only lab-based testing can confirm someone's blood type however, donors will have their type confirmed after their first donation.
 
People may find out even more about their blood following donation. For example, they may be told they have the subtype Ro which is vital for treating sickle cell. Others may find out they are cytomegalovirus (CMV) negative which means their blood lacks a common antibody and can be safely given to newborn babies.
 
Those taking part in the pilot scheme must be 17 or older and may be asked further eligibility questions before being given the kit. It will contain everything needed to take the test at home with a QR code to submit the result and book to donate online.
 
Kits are available from branches in Bullring and Birmingham High Street. Both Boots stores are situated close to the city’s New Street donor centre which has around 850 appointments still available over the next two weeks. The centre is open six days a week including evenings.
 
Altaf Kazi, Assistant Director for Partnerships at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for people in Birmingham. A quick finger prick test could reveal your blood type and start your journey as a lifesaver.

"While all donations are vital, you may discover you have one of the most in demand blood types right now.

"Giving blood is quick and easy and every donation can help up to three people. Our Birmingham Donor Centre is a great place for your first donation and has lots of availability right now. Please register today and book an appointment to save lives."
 
Heather Elliott, Director of Life Sciences and Clinical Trials at Boots, said: “Through our partnership with the NHS, we’re excited to help more people understand the important role that blood donors play.

"Customers can now simply visit their local Boots in parts of Birmingham to find out their blood type for free. We hope this will make a real difference by increasing the number of people who come forward to donate blood and help the NHS continue to save lives.”
 
Every day 5,000 blood donations are needed in England to meet hospital demand. The NHS needs up to 200,000 new donors each year to replace those who stop donating and to make sure it has enough of each blood type to save lives in emergencies, treat cancer and support thousands of people with serious long-term conditions, including sickle cell and thalassaemia.
 
The NHS particularly needs more O negative and B negative donors. O negative blood is given to patients in emergencies and when a patient’s blood type is not known. O negative makes up 16 percent of hospital orders but only eight percent of existing donors have this type. B negative is one of the rarer blood types shared by only two percent of current donors. There is an urgent need for more people with this vital type to become regular donors.
 
Both O negative and B negative blood are often given to sickle cell patients when there is not enough blood with the Ro subtype.
 
Most people can give blood if they are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before). Once someone becomes a blood donor, their blood type is confirmed.
 
You can register and book an appointment to donate at blood.co.uk or via the NHS GiveBlood app.