How much blood is taken during a blood donation?
Approximately 450 mL (1 pint) of blood is collected during a blood donation.

How long does it take for my body to replace the donation?
Your body will replace the liquid part of the donation within 24 hours. Red cells usually need at least 8 weeks for complete replacement.

How long after donation blood should a donor avoid strenuous activity?
Donors should avoid strenuous activity for about 6-8 hours after donation blood.

How old should I be to donate blood?
To donate blood one has to be 18 years old. New donors at the age of 60 are not accepted. However, regular donors are allowed to donate blood until 65 years if one has reported for at least every 6 months since one was 60. Teenagers of 17 years are allowed to donate with parent's / guardian's written consent. In this consent the parent / guardian one has to write ones' own name and ID and those of the teenager together with the date, stating "I allow my son/daughter Name, Surname and I.D. to become a blood donor". That is all.

Is there a weight limit?
Yes there is, minimum requirement should be 50kilos.

Can I get AIDS from donating blood?
No. You cannot get AIDS or any other disease by giving blood. The materials used for your donation are new, sterile and disposable and are used only once for your donation.

Can persons who suffer from high blood pressure donate blood?
Persons with controlled "high" blood pressure with diuretics (i.e. pills that cause one to pass a lot of urine) can donate blood but if they are taking other medication or the high blood pressure is not controlled, they cannot donate blood.

Can persons who have a high level of cholesterol donate blood?
Persons with a high cholesterol controlled by diet or statins (a group pf drugs to lower cholesterol levels) can donate blood. Persons taking other medication to control cholesterol levels cannot donate blood. Examples of statins are Lipitor, Zocor, Lescol and Simvastatin.

Can asthmatic persons donate blood?
Asthmatics on no treatment yes, on treatment no. However there are some exceptions and may depend on the severity of the case.

Can foreigners donate blood?
No, however non Maltese residents with a Maltese I.D card are allowed. I.D cards ending in P or A are allowed to donate blood if they have been living in Malta for at least 6 months.

I have not felt well since I made my donation yesterday - I think I might be coming down with the 'flu - what should I do?
If for any reason you feel unwell post donation, please get in touch with us directly. You can call us all week from 8.00a.m. till 6.00p.m. on telephone numbers 22066201 or 21234767.

Is it true that blood is being sold to Private Hospitals?
Blood is never sold. It is estimated that to process, screen and make blood available to patients costs the blood bank LM45 per unit of blood. Currently there are no charges to private hospitals for this service.

Is it true that patients in private hospitals are preferred more than patients in the state hospitals, when it comes to receiving blood, because they pay for it?
On occasions when there is a shortage of blood, blood is given to the patients mostly in need. On rare occasions non urgent (elective) operations may be postponed.

Where should I phone if I have any other question?
For any other questions please phone 2206 6201 or 7930 7307.