Blood Donation Centres

Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre

61 New Street (1st Floor), Birmingham B2 4DU

Overview

Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre is a specialist blood donation facility located in the heart of Birmingham's city centre on New Street. The centre operates as part of the NHS Blood Donation Service, dedicated to collecting plasma and blood products from eligible donors across the West Midlands region. Plasma donation is a vital component of the UK's blood supply chain, with collected plasma used to manufacture life-saving medicines and treatments for patients with clotting disorders, immune deficiencies, and other serious conditions.

The centre welcomes regular and new donors who meet the health and eligibility criteria. The facility provides a professional, comfortable environment where donors can make their contribution to patient care. Staff members are trained to ensure the donation process is safe, efficient, and straightforward. The centre operates on a walk-in and appointment basis, accommodating the schedules of busy city centre workers and local residents.

Potential donors can expect the donation process to take approximately one to two hours. The centre maintains strict health and safety standards in compliance with NHS guidelines. For those interested in donating, the team provides full information about eligibility requirements, the donation process, and the important role plasma donation plays in saving lives across the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

To give blood at Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre in Birmingham, register online at blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23, then book an appointment. Walk-ins may be accepted but booking is recommended. You must be aged 17-65 (or up to 70 if you have donated before), weigh at least 50kg (7st 12lb), and be in general good health. Your first donation includes a health check and takes about an hour. Subsequent visits take around 45 minutes.
Men can donate whole blood every 12 weeks (up to 4 times a year) and women every 16 weeks (up to 3 times a year). Platelet donations can be given every 2-4 weeks. Plasma donations can be given every 2 weeks. Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre will advise you on when you can next donate based on the type of donation you make.
At Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre, you will complete a health questionnaire, have a brief health check (haemoglobin test from a finger prick), speak with a nurse about your eligibility, and then donate. The actual blood draw takes about 8-10 minutes. Afterwards, you will rest for at least 15 minutes with refreshments. Your blood is then tested, processed, and distributed to hospitals. You will be told your blood type after your first donation.
Many common medications do not prevent you from donating blood. However, some medications may require a deferral period. Bring a list of your medications to Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre and the nurse will check eligibility. Antibiotics usually require a 7-day deferral after completing the course. Some medications (e.g. acne treatments like isotretinoin) require longer deferrals. Contact 0300 123 23 23 or check blood.co.uk if unsure.
You may not be able to donate if you have HIV, hepatitis B or C, or HTLV, are pregnant or have recently given birth, have had a recent tattoo or piercing (4-month deferral), have visited certain countries with malaria risk (deferral periods apply), have had certain cancers, have received a blood transfusion in the UK since 1980, or are currently unwell. Contact 0300 123 23 23 or check blood.co.uk for a full list of eligibility criteria.
Yes, donating blood at Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre is very safe. All needles and equipment are sterile and used only once. You cannot catch any disease from giving blood. A standard whole blood donation is about 470ml (less than a pint) — your body replaces the fluid within 24-48 hours and the red blood cells within 4-6 weeks. Side effects are rare but may include feeling lightheaded or faint, bruising at the needle site, or tiredness.
Before donating: drink plenty of water, eat a proper meal, avoid strenuous exercise, and get a good night's sleep. After donating: rest for at least 15 minutes with refreshments provided, drink extra fluids for the next 24 hours, avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day, keep the plaster on for at least 6 hours, and eat a good meal. If you feel faint, lie down with your legs raised.
Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre may offer platelet or plasma donations in addition to whole blood. Platelet donation uses an apheresis machine to collect platelets while returning the rest of your blood — the process takes about 90 minutes. Plasma donations take about 45 minutes. These components are vital for cancer patients, burn victims, and those with blood disorders. Not all centres offer all donation types — call 0300 123 23 23 to check.
All blood types are needed, but some are in especially high demand. O negative is the universal donor type, used in emergencies. O positive is the most common blood type. B negative, A negative, and AB negative are rare types that are always needed. After your first donation at Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre, you will receive a donor card with your blood type. Some donors may be invited to give specific components like platelets or plasma.
After donation at Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre, your blood is tested for blood type, infections (HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, HTLV), and antibodies. It is then processed into components: red blood cells (used for surgery, trauma, anaemia), platelets (used for cancer treatment), and plasma (used for burns, liver disease, clotting disorders). Components are distributed to hospitals across England. One donation can save or improve up to three lives.
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Contact Details
Address
61 New Street (1st Floor)
Birmingham
B2 4DU
Social Links
Opening Hours
Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
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