What blood types are needed for donation right now?

B negative blood stocks have dropped to a worryingly low level as the NHS implores 2,500 eligible donors to donate now, writes Bethany Sirianni.

The NHS said it is urgently in need of regular donors for this rare blood type as stocks have been left under considerable pressure due to a shrinking donor base and higher than usual demand.

With 2,482 eligible donors known to the NHS, it has made the urgent plea but it is also asking family members with this known blood type to come forward too as they are 30 per cent more likely to have this rare type.

Only two per cent of the population have this blood type and as patients can only receive B negative or O negative, there's a chance that higher demand will be placed on vital emergency supplies of O negative.

Since 2023, there has been a loss of 1,000 regular donors and now fewer than 20,000 people with B negative blood donate regularly.

Existing B negative donors will be given priority access to appointments and are urged to call 0300 123 23 23 they are struggling to find availability.

Hospitals across England need more than 5,000 blood donations every day to ensure they have the blood they need to treat patients for a wide variety of reasons, including traumatic injuries or accidents, cancer treatments, sickle cell and childbirth.

All bloody types are needed for donation as the NHS needs up to 200,000 new blood donors each year to replace those who stop donating and to ensure there is a good supply of all blood groups to match patient demand.

There is also an urgent need for donors with Ro blood as only two per cent of donors belong to this blood group.

Ro is often used to save people with the rare blood disorder sickle cell disease.

Ro blood is 10 times more common in black people than in white people.

You can give blood if you are generally fit and well, aged between 17 and 65, weigh between 50kg and 158kg and meet all donor eligibility criteria which will be checked before you donate.

Men can donate every three months and women every four months, as women generally have lower iron levels than men. You can read more about the criteria here.

Book an appointment today at www.blood.co.uk, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.