Can you donate blood after donating a kidney?
Can you donate blood after donating a kidney?
If you’ve donated a kidney, or are thinking about it, you might be asking yourself – can I still give blood after I donate? This is a common question, and the answer is that donating a kidney does not stop you from becoming a blood donor.
Whether or not you can donate blood depends on your own health, how well you’ve recovered, and the rules set by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). Everyone’s situation is different, which is why checks are always done before you are allowed to give blood. If you’re unsure, the safest step is to ask NHS Blood and Transplant or speak to your doctor.
NHS blood donation rules for kidney donors
NHS Blood and Transplant looks at each blood donor individually. People who have donated a kidney usually are able to give blood, as long as they are healthy and have good kidney function.
Donating one kidney doesn’t stop your body from working as normal. Most people live healthy lives with just one kidney, but NHSBT has to make sure that giving blood will not affect your health. This is why you must meet the same rules as all other donors.
How long should you wait after donating a kidney?
There’s no exact waiting time after kidney donation before you can give blood. The most important thing is that you feel fully better and strong again, and are found to be able to donate. For some people this may be a few weeks, while for others it may take longer.
If you want to donate blood, you can contact your local donation centre once you feel ready. They may ask you to have a medical check first, to make sure donating blood is safe for you.
What checks are carried out before you can donate blood?
Everyone who wants to donate blood has a health check first. The checks include:
- A questionnaire about your health, lifestyle, and any treatments you’ve had
- Simple checks of your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature
- A small test to check your iron levels are healthy
For people who have donated a kidney, there may also be extra questions about your surgery and recovery. These checks are routine and are done to protect your health.
Why you might not be eligible to donate blood
While it is rare, some people who have donated a kidney may not be able to donate blood. Some reasons this may happen include:
- Lower kidney function after donation
- Having another long-term health condition
These rules are in place to protect you. Donating blood should never put your health at risk. If you are not eligible, it does not mean you are less valuable. It simply means your safety comes first.
Other ways to help after kidney donation
If you cannot give blood, there are still many ways you can support others. For example, you could:
- Talk to friends and family about organ and blood donation to help raise awareness
- Share your donation experience with others to help them understand what’s involved in donating
It’s also important to remember that donating a kidney is already an amazing gift. You have already changed someone’s life. Anything else you do afterwards is an extra way of helping, but you have already done something truly life-changing.
Final thoughts
People who have donated a kidney usually are able to give blood, as long as they are still healthy and have good kidney function. The best way to know for sure is to ask your healthcare team.
No matter what, by donating a kidney you have already given an incredible gift. Whether you go on to donate blood or choose another way to help, you’re making a real difference.
