FAQS

Remember that to come and donate, you must always bring an official identity document (DNI, NIE, passport or driving licence).

There are areas of the world where there is a risk of malaria or other diseases that can be transmitted through a blood transfusion. For this reason, after visiting certain countries you must wait for a period of time before you can give blood. There are international organisations that determine which countries these are, and the list is constantly changing. If your trip was short or the country you visited is at a lower risk, the decision on whether you can donate is made by the person conducting the pre-donation interview.

Therefore, if you have travelled, you may have to wait before giving blood again. Check the list of countries to be sure.

If you want to find out before coming to the BST whether the country you have visited will exclude you as a blood donor, and for how many months, you can contact donor services on (+34) 93 557 35 66 or by emailing atencioaldonant(ELIMINAR)@bst.cat.

As a blood bank, our priority is to ensure that blood transfusions are safe for patients, which is why we focus our efforts on carrying out the tests that guarantee transfusion safety. Moreover, most analytical tests must be performed on an empty stomach to obtain reliable results. In contrast, it is advisable to have eaten before giving blood.

If you only had a check-up, you can donate on the same day. If you had a dental cleaning, you will have to wait 24 hours. If you had a filling, you will need to wait 72 hours, and if you had a tooth extracted, you must wait until 7 days have passed before giving blood.

The deferral period will depend on the type of procedure. After minor surgical procedures: you cannot donate blood for 7 days or until you have fully recovered. Examples of minor surgery: haemorrhoids, varicose veins, wound suturing, hernia surgery, etc. After major surgical procedures: people who have undergone major surgery will not be able to donate blood for 4 months. Examples of major surgery: pneumonectomy, cardiac or thoracic surgery, gastrectomy, craniotomy, severe fracture (femur, pelvis, etc.) and joint replacement (hip, knee, etc.).

After getting a tattoo, you may give blood, always at the medical discretion of the interviewer, provided the procedure meets the following requirements:

- Sterile, single-use needles.
- Single-dose ink opened in front of the client.

If the tattoo was not carried out under the above conditions, you must wait four months before gving blood. 

Yes, after you've had the flu jab you can give blood as usual. However, since vaccines can sometimes leave you feeling unwell, we recommend that you donate before having the jab. There's also no problem with you giving blood and then having the jab. For any other vaccines, please consult us.

If you have had Covid, you must wait 7 days after you have recovered to donate.

If you have been in contact with someone who has had Covid but you are fully vaccinated and have no symptoms, you can donate blood without issue.

Healthcare professionals can donate blood, regardless of whether or not they work in Covid areas.

Yes, the Covid vaccination does not prevent you from donating blood or plasma. However, if you experience any side effects such as a fever or a general feeling of unwellness, you will need to wait 7 days.

Here we provide information on foods that can help you increase your iron stores. However, remember that if you suffer from an illness or nutritional imbalance, you should consult a specialist.