Frequently asked questions

Research Donors collects blood and other samples from volunteer donors, which is supplied to medical researchers around the world. Our donors are reimbursed for their time and inconvenience when donating with us.

No we are not. The NHSBT does an amazing job supplying blood to treat sick patients who need blood and blood products and we strongly encourage people to donate blood to this important cause.

The focus of Research Donors is providing blood for research. Our donors are making an important contribution to healthcare by enabling vital biomedical research that will help with the development of new treatments in the future for cancer and other serious diseases.

As long as you meet all of our eligibility requirements, anyone can donate. Full eligibility requirements can be found here.

Our donors are reimbursed for their time and inconvenience for attending the appointment. We do not pay directly for the blood that is donated. Donors are reimbursed £60 for attending donation appointments booked between 7am to 9:30am and £45 for appointments booked after this time. This will be paid into your UK bank 1-3 working days after your appointment.

You must ensure you meet all of our eligibility requirements and then register as a donor. Once you register as a donor, you will be able to book your donation appointment. Donor registration and appointment booking can be found here.

Your blood will be taken in clinical conditions by qualified personnel, using modern equipment. Needles and other items used are from fresh packaging and are sterile, and are destroyed once used. All possible care is taken with regard to personal safety.

We may take up to 500 ml (just under 1 pint) of blood at a single appointment, or smaller amounts at multiple appointments. We will never take more than 500 ml in a 4-month period if you are a woman, or a 3-month period if you are a man.

All blood donations are tested in our laboratory to check their quality and safety. Tests include a whole blood count and for infectious diseases including AIDS/HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis Types B and C.

If we see any abnormalities in these tests we will notify your GP who may request that you visit them for further tests.

Your blood will be tested on each occasion you donate. If the tests are clear then blood or its other constituent parts, such as plasma and white cells, may be sent to medical researchers.

Although we do not discourage you from bringing children with you to your donation appointment, a second responsible adult must accompany you during your visit to supervise the child.

Your personal details will remain confidential at all times and we take your data security very seriously. Your personal information is kept safe and separate from your blood samples and we comply with all current rules governing data protection.

When blood or derivatives of your samples are sent to researchers, no personally-identifiable information goes with them. There may be general information such as gender or age group, but nothing personal. Your medical history and personally-identifiable information is not shared or sent to any other person or organisation. Certain basic information such as name and bank details may need to be shared only for the purposes of administration and managing payments.

Absolutely! Please call us on +44 (0) 207 870 3742 or email support@research-donors.freshdesk.com.