Human red blood cells

High-quality red blood cells processed for integrity and consistency

We offer high-quality fresh human red blood cells from a diverse pool of healthy, consented donors. Each sample is processed promptly to maintain integrity and support a broad range of research applications.

Fresh red blood cells

Processed for purity and performance

Isolated from whole blood via centrifugation and handled under stringent conditions to ensure high-quality, intact RBCs for your research applications

Customisable options

Specify donor characteristics, volume, and delivery format, ideal for studies on anaemia, sickle cell disease, cell ageing, and drug delivery innovations

Flexible delivery

Reliable, temperature-controlled shipping across Europe to meet your project timelines and sample viability requirements

Learn why fresh blood products matter for reliable research

Explore the research applications

Haematology research

Investigate blood disorders such as anaemia, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia.

Transfusion medicine

Develop and test blood storage solutions and transfusion practices.

Parasitology studies

Examine interactions between RBCs and pathogens, such as malaria parasites.

Drug development

Assess the impact of pharmaceuticals on RBC function and viability.

Flexible & customisable biospecimens for your research

At Research Donors, we are committed to providing you with the samples you need for your research.
Whether you’re looking for specific anticoagulants, volumes, or donor profiles, our team is here to customise your order for optimal results.

Choice of anticoagulant

Choose from citrate phosphate dextrose (CPD) or K2EDTA for optimal RBC preservation.

Flexible volumes

Available in 4 mL, 10 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL, and 200 mL, with additional volume options upon request.

Donor selection

Select RBCs based on age, sex, health status, and other key donor characteristics.

A Guide to the Right Anticoagulant for Blood Research

Learn how the choice of anticoagulants can impact your research

What our customers say

“

"They provided exactly what we needed, on time and to specification. Perhaps most importantly, they did what they said they would do and maintained fabulous communication throughout the ordering process. I would certainly recommend the service to others."
General ManagerComplement Genomics, UK

“

"In order to obtain good quality data, it is essential to work with fresh blood samples. In the past I have ordered such samples from many suppliers, and I have found Research Donors to be absolutely the best. They offer an extremely reliable overnight delivery, a very good customer service and, most importantly, a high-quality product. They are now my only supplier for human whole blood!"
Researcher in Fresh Blood Sample AnalysisEPFL, Switzerland

“

"We’ve been using Research Donors and are very happy with their services. Samples are delivered on time and we always get a very quick response from the team. They are also very flexible and willing to discuss specific requests"
R&D ScientistNGS Company, Cambridge, UK

“

"We have been using Research Donors as our supplier of frozen human PBMC cells for over a year. The cells are always delivered promptly and arrive on the date specified at the time of ordering. Further, the viability of the cells are higher than what we have observed from alternative suppliers and the numbers of viable cells always exceeds the specification. Communication is fast, friendly, and informative and the staff were very willing to adapt the product to our needs."
Senior ScientistAnuCell Biosystems, Ireland

“

"We have used the Fresh Healthy Human Blood Service on several occasions and always received a helpful and efficient turnaround to our requests. The service has enabled timely access to good quality samples and facilitated effective development of our new generation products."
Scientista Life Science Company, Cardiff, UK

“

"Research Donors have provided us with an excellent service. They have worked very closely with us to ensure that the products they supply are to the specifications that we require. The buffy coats that they provide are of a consistently high quality and the option of same day delivery is very valuable."
Senior ManagerAbzena, UK

“

"We have purchased both frozen PBMCs and Human Plasma samples from multiple donors from Research Donors. They have always maintained excellent prompt communication throughout the whole process and the quality of products and cell viability has been consistently high. The customer service really excels, and the delivery service is great."
ScientistBiVictriX Therapeutics, Alderley Park, UK

“

"The blood service is always precise, and people are helpful. Samples are delivered in a timely manner and the quality of blood received from Research Donors is very high and I look forward to working with them again."
Senior Research AssociateKymab, UK

How to order

Request a biospecimen collection

Design a custom collection based on your specific research needs

1. Specify your sample, donor & delivery criteria
2. Add to your selection to your quote
3. Submit the request from your basket
4. Your local distributor will be in touch to confirm

Start your quote

Need assistance? Contact us for help with your order

What are red blood cells?

Red blood cells are essential for oxygen transport and play a crucial role in various physiological processes. They serve as a vital resource in medical research, haematology and diagnostic test development.

Have a question? Get in touch

Right donor.
Right sample.
Right time.

If you can’t see exactly what you need, our team is ready to collaborate on custom collections designed to meet your specific requirements.

Repeat donors for longitudinal studies

HLA-matched and tailored sample collections

Flexible volumes to support large-scale studies or specific applications

Let’s discuss how we can support your project

Ordering & delivery

We prioritise fast and reliable delivery to maintain sample viability

Same-day delivery options available in select UK locations