You no longer need to wait four months after acupuncture

Until now, having acupuncture could mean waiting four months before donating blood. This has now changed.

Following updated UK blood donation guidance, patients who have received acupuncture will no longer face this four-month waiting period, provided the treatment meets the relevant requirements.

This is a really positive change for both for our patients and for blood donation services, which rely on regular donors to keep vital supplies available.

It also means you shouldn’t have to choose between continuing your acupuncture treatment and giving blood.

As always, individual eligibility can depend on other factors, so please check your eligibility with NHS Blood Donation before your donation.

A note about practitioner requirements

For non-HCP practitioners, donors can be accepted if acupuncture was provided in an appropriately licensed or approved setting by a practitioner who is fully compliant with any licensing and registration requirements in force within their area of operation.

The donor should confirm that they are satisfied that their practitioner was working in compliance with the relevant local registration and licensing requirements.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please check directly with NHS Blood Donation before donating.