Free NHS blood type testing now available from South London and Birmingham Boots pharmacies

People in South London and Birmingham can walk into a local Boots pharmacy to find out their blood type – and it's completely free.

NHS Blood and Transplant is partnering with Boots to provide up to 25,000 free self-testing blood type kits in stores, with the aim of increasing blood donations and to find those with most-needed blood types.

Right now, the NHS needs more O negative and B negative donors as well as more donors of Black heritage who are vital to helping treat patients with sickle cell.

NHSBT research shows that less than half of people know their blood type. It is hoped that discovering their blood type will encourage more people in South London and Birmingham to register as a donor and book an appointment at their local permanent donor centre or at a nearby mobile session.

The testing kit uses a small drop of blood and a litmus-style test card to show a person's likely blood type in around five minutes. Only lab-based testing can confirm someone's blood type however, and donors will have their type confirmed after their first donation.

People may find out even more about their blood following donation. For example, they may be told they have the subtype Ro which is vital for treating sickle cell. Others may find out they are cytomegalovirus (CMV) negative which means their blood lacks a common antibody and can be safely given to newborn babies.

Which locations are taking part?

Those taking part in the pilot scheme must be 17 or older and may be asked further eligibility questions before being given the kit. It will contain everything needed to take the test at home with a QR code to submit the result and book online to donate.
Kits are available from:

Boots, Brixton Road: 449 Brixton Road, London, SW9 8HH
Boots, Walworth Road: 293 Walworth Road, London, SE17 2TG
Boots, The Bull Ring Shopping Centre: MSU10 Level 2, Birmingham, B5 4BE
Boots, Birmingham High Street: 66 High Street, Birmingham, B4 7TA

The Boots stores are situated close to donor centres. Birmingham Donor Centre has around 850 appointments still available over the next 2 weeks and Brixton has 1,300.

Every day 5,000 blood donations are needed in England to meet hospital demand. The NHS needs up to 200,000 new donors each year to replace those who stop donating and to make sure it has enough of each blood type to save lives in emergencies, treat cancer and support thousands of people with serious long-term conditions, including sickle cell and thalassaemia.

Right now, the NHS particularly needs more O negative and B negative donors.

O negative blood is given to patients in emergencies and when a patient’s blood type is not known. O negative makes up 16% of hospital orders but only 8% of existing donors have this type.

B negative is one of the rarer blood types shared by only 2% percent of current donors. There is an urgent need for more people with this vital type to become regular donors.

Both O negative and B negative blood are often given to sickle cell patients when there is not enough blood with the Ro subtype.

Statements

Statement from Altaf Kazi

Altaf Kazi, NHS Blood and Transplant Assistant Director for Partnerships, said:

"This is an exciting opportunity for people in South London and Birmingham. A quick finger prick test could reveal your blood type and start your journey as a lifesaver. While all donations are vital, you may discover you have one of the most in demand blood types right now.

"Giving blood is quick and easy and every donation can help up to three people. Our Brixton and Birmingham donor centres are great places for your first donation and both have lots of availability. Please register today and book an appointment to save lives."

Statement from Heather Elliott

Heather Elliott, Director of Life Sciences and Clinical Trials at Boots, said:

"Through our partnership with the NHS, we're excited to help more people understand the important role that blood donors play. Customers can now simply visit their local Boots in parts of London and Birmingham to find out their blood type for free. We hope this will make a real difference by increasing the number of people who come forward to donate blood and help the NHS continue to save lives."

How you can help

Most people can give blood if they are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before). Once someone becomes a blood donor, their blood type is confirmed.

To help save and improve more lives, register today as a blood or plasma donor, download the NHS GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.