How old do you have to be to give blood in the UK?

Answer 1

According to the National Blood Transfusion Service web-site, the minimum age is 17. Quoting from their web-site - "...Most people can give blood. If you are generally in good health, age 17 to 65 (if it's your first time) and weigh at least 50kg (7st 12Ib) you can donate. If you are female, aged under 20 years old and weigh under 65kg (10st 3lb), we need to estimate your blood volume before donating..."

The reason for the weight restriction, is because everyone donates the same quantity of blood each time. A person who is small-framed, or of low weight will have less blood in their body than a larger or heavier person. Therefore, taking a pint of blood from a larger or heavier person will have less effect than taking it from a smaller or lighter donor.

Answer 2

16 with written parental consent and 17+ without permission