Residents in Manchester are invited to visit a free NHS Blood and Transplant blood typing event taking place at Manchester Arndale from Monday 2 March until Sunday 8 March offering eligible adults the chance to have a quick finger-prick blood type test and register as a new blood donor.
Only around 2% of people in England donate blood regularly, yet thousands of donations are needed every day to support childbirth, cancer and sickle cell treatment and medical emergencies.
Blood cannot be manufactured or stored for more than 35 days, which means our blood supply depends on people stepping forward.
NHS research shows that less than half of people in the UK know their blood type so NHSBT is encouraging communities up and down the country to take the simple but powerful first step by finding out their blood type and registering as blood donors, helping to ensure lifesaving blood is available when it’s needed most.
Knowing your blood type helps NHSBT identify blood types in high demand and helps ensure the right blood is available when it’s needed the most.
This is particularly important for Black and mixed heritage communities. People of Black heritage are more likely to have the Ro blood type, which is vital for treating sickle cell – a condition that disproportionately affects Black communities and often requires regular, closely matched blood transfusions.
At the events, the main eight blood types can be identified in around two minutes, while the Ro subtype is confirmed after a first blood donation.
Increasing registration and participation from under-represented communities is a crucial step in improving patient outcomes and saving lives.
Trust and familiarity play a vital role in encouraging people to take part. By attending local blood typing events, individuals and community organisations can help strengthen their community and support patients who rely on blood every day.
The call to action is simple: attend a local NHSBT blood typing event, find out your blood type and register as a donor. It takes just a few minutes, but the impact could last a lifetime.
Event details
Location: Manchester Arndale, Lower Mall, Outside Next
Date: Monday 2 March – Sunday 8 March
Time: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm
Location: Manchester Arndale, Lower Mall, Outside Next
Date: Monday 2 March – Sunday 8 March
Time: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm
Sunday, 11.30am to 5.30pm
