‘Be assured that we will look after you.’ Interview with Daniel Clarke, NHS Blood and Transplant

Despite the lockdown in place across the country, 23 permanent blood donation sites and thousands of local venues remain open. Pi Media spoke to Daniel Clarke, Head of Donor Marketing Operations at NHS Blood and Transplant, about the importance of continuing to donate during the pandemic, and what type of donors the NHS particularly needs.

Source: NHS Blood and Transplant

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Blood and its components are critical in the treatment of patients with conditions such as anaemia, cancer blood disorders, and those undergoing surgery. You would be forgiven for thinking that blood donation has ground to a halt during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, but stocks have thus far remained stable. However, the NHS is faced with new pressures due to the winter period, so it is crucial that people continue to donate blood, platelets and plasma to support the NHS.

Asked in what ways the NHS has adapted blood donation to protect donors, Daniel explains the changes designed “to give donors confidence about hygiene and social distancing.” Upon arrival, donors are triaged with a temperature check, and hand gels and hand washing facilities are readily available. What’s more, donors are distanced from each other, and both staff and donors must wear face coverings that cover the mouth and nose. Daniel says that donors must check that they are fit to attend by reading the coronavirus health rules for donors, and stresses the importance of keeping appointments and arriving on time. He mentions that donors are asked to attend on their own, if they can, and that if they have been vaccinated against Covid-19, must wait seven days before donating. Daniel adds, “take sensible precautions when travelling, and be assured that we will look after you when you arrive.” Regarding whether those who have tested positive for coronavirus are allowed to donate, he explains that after testing positive, whether or not you have symptoms, you must wait 28 days from the resolution of said symptoms before donating.

More generally in terms of eligibility, Daniel clarifies that most people are suitable, as long as they are fit and healthy, weigh between 50 -158 kg, are aged between 17 and 66 (or 70 if they have given blood before), or are over 70 if they have given a full blood donation in the last two years. For those in any doubt, he recommends checking this quick list that covers the most common reasons that stop people donating when they go to give blood. He adds that although the NHS needs donors from all communities and ethnic backgrounds to donate, it is particularly looking for Black, Asian and minority ethnic donors because some patients who receive frequent blood transfusions need blood to be closely matched to their own; conditions such as sickle cell disease, which is treated via blood transfusion, most commonly affect BAME people, and the most suitable blood typically comes from donors from the same ethnic background.

As for why the NHS is particularly looking for male donors, he explains that men are often more likely to donate more regularly than women, due to men’s additional body weight resulting in higher iron levels. He adds that men are less likely to carry certain immune cells meaning that their plasma is more widely usable, and that men’s platelet count is typically higher, which tends to mean that they are more likely to be accepted as platelet donors. Questioned about the current rules for MSM (men who have sex with men) blood donation, Daniel explains that at present, all men must wait three months after having oral or anal sex with another man, but that new policy will mean that men who have sex with men and who have had the same partner for at least three months will be able to give blood from summer 2021.

Daniel tells us that after donation, there is a need to determine blood group, screen for any antibodies in the plasma and test for Hepatitis B, C and E, as well as HIV. It may also be checked for Malaria, T-cruzi, West Nile Virus and Cytomegalovirus. He stresses the importance of the completed Donor Health Check, because there is a period of time from contact with any infection to detecting markers in the laboratory; “we trust your honesty when answering these personal questions. This will ensure your blood is safe to transfuse to patients.”

New or existing blood donors are encouraged to use the online service to book an appointment. You can find out where you can donate, view, change or cancel appointments, update your personal details and view your recent donation history within the last five years.

Go to: https://my.blood.co.uk/ and put in your town, city or postcode to find your nearest available blood donation service.