NHS cancelling blood donation. Why?

[eddielizzard]

Out of the last 4 times I've tried to give blood, 3 have been cancelled. I've got a text on the day. I have to gear myself up for it (hate needles) and arrange childcare so it's a bit frustrating.

This afternoon I got the cancellation text. I decided to pop along for my appointment anyway, and sure enough they were there and took my blood quite happily.

WTF is happening? Do they decide they have enough of my blood type and cancel? Didn't seem to be a shortage of staff and there wasn't a long wait.

Have you been unwell recently..any reason given why theyve cancelled.

No, fit and healthy. Haven't visited the GP in years. I get the text a couple of hours beforehand, before I've been seen. I'm very careful about following the guidelines.

Have you got AB+ blood. They’ve asked women with that blood type to donate less regularly.

My BF gets phone calls asking him to donate his super common O+ blood. They never beg me for my B+ blood - and they always take longer to use it than his. I assume I’m just less useful. 😂

Oh yes I have a rare blood type. They just don't need it. I'm glad in that case.

I'm always getting texts and emails to go in (A- and my blood is sent to Neonatal)

They're always demanding plasma off me (A- and AB- are universal donors for plasma) but my veins are never chunky enough when I get there!

Never had them cancel but I always book into the dedicated centre in the city.