Blood Donation Centres

Dundee Blood Donor Centre

Level 8, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD2 1UB

Overview

Dundee Blood Donor Centre is a vital NHS blood donation facility located within Ninewells Hospital, one of Scotland's major teaching hospitals. The centre operates as part of the National Blood Transfusion Service, which is responsible for collecting, testing, and distributing blood and blood products throughout the UK's healthcare system. The facility serves the Tayside region and beyond, playing a crucial role in ensuring that hospitals have adequate supplies of safe blood for transfusions and medical procedures.

The centre welcomes eligible blood donors from the local community and surrounding areas. Staff at the facility conduct health screening, take donations, and ensure all stringent safety and quality standards are maintained. Donors receive support from trained phlebotomists in a professional, comfortable environment. The blood collected undergoes rigorous testing before being distributed to hospitals throughout Scotland.

Members of the public can visit the centre to donate blood by appointment or during walk-in sessions. The service is free, and regular donors are encouraged as there is continuous demand for all blood types. Contact details and appointment information can be obtained through the NHS Blood Donation Service website or by contacting the hospital directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

To give blood at Dundee Blood Donor Centre in Dundee, 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. Dundee Blood Donor Centre will advise you on when you can next donate based on the type of donation you make.
At Dundee Blood 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 Dundee Blood 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 0345 90 90 999 or check blood.co.uk if unsure.
Dundee Blood 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 0345 90 90 999 to check.
After donation at Dundee Blood 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.
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 0345 90 90 999 or check blood.co.uk for a full list of eligibility criteria.
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 Dundee Blood 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.
Yes, donating blood at Dundee Blood 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.
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Contact Details
Address
Level 8, Ninewells Hospital
Dundee
DD2 1UB
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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