‘What’s Your Blood Type? and Blood Donation’ event
If you’ve ever thought considered becoming a blood donor but don’t know where to start, then read on.
On Tuesday, 17 March the NHS Blood and Transplant Service (NHSBT) will visit Surrey Research Park for a ‘What’s Your Blood Type? and Blood Donation’ event. And our Park community are invited to attend too.
The event will give you an opportunity to enrol as a blood donor and, if you wish, complete a simple finger-prick test to indicate your likely blood type as well as discover more about the blood donation process.
By identifying your blood type you’ll get valuable insight into what each blood type means, how rare it is, and how certain priority blood groups are used to support patients with urgent and complex situations.
How it will work
The process takes around five minutes and involves you completing a form to register as a future blood donor.
Once filled out, the NHSBT team can carry out a finger-prick test (using just four drops) to provide an instant result of your likely blood type. You’ll then be told your likely blood type and receive a brief explanation of why your blood type is important.
Who can take part
Most people can give blood. If you are in generally good health and aged 17–65, you could sign up on the day.
Anyone under 16 can still register their interest and will receive a letter when they turn 17 explaining that they have become eligible to donate and how to book an appointment.
Book a time slot here:
https://outlook.office.com/book/SurreyResearchParkWhatsYourBloodType@nhsbt.nhs.uk/?ismsaljsauthenab…
Please note a couple of important points:
- This is not a blood donation session – no blood will be collected on the day.
- Blood type testing is part of the donor registration process, so you won’t be able to find out your blood type without registering.
During the session, the NHS team will explain how blood donation works, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the donor registration process.
🐰 Easter treat: Anyone who registers and attends their booked slot will receive a small Easter chocolate as a thank you.
🐣 Easter raffle: We’ll also be running an Easter raffle, with tickets available on the day for £2 each.
Even if you’re unsure about donating, it’s a great chance to learn more about how blood donation saves lives and how you could help.
