Information About Blood Donation

Blood donation following acupuncture

Patients who have received acupuncture are still able to give blood providing they meet certain criteria. The National Blood Service guidelines are explained here.

National Blood Service (NBS) Guidelines

If the treatment was performed by an acupuncturist you can donate only if the therapist is a member of one of the following regulatory bodies:

1. Doctors registered with the GMC
2. Nurses registered with the NMC
3. Midwives registered with the NMC
4. Dentists registered with the GDC
5. Chiropractors registered with the GCC
6. Opticians registered with the GOC
7. Osteopaths registered with the GOsC
8. Art Therapists registered with the HCPC
9. Biomedical scientists registered with the HCPC
10. Chiropodists/Podiatrists registered with the HCPC
11. Clinical Scientist registered with the HCPC
12. Dieticians registered with the HCPC
13. Occupational Therapists registered with the HCPC
14. Operating Department practioners registered with the HCPC
15. Orthoptists registered with the HCPC
16. Paramedics registered with the HCPC
17. Pharmacists  registered with the HCPC
18. Physiotherapists registered with the HCPC
19. Prosthetists & Orthotists registered with the HCPC
20. Radiographers registered with the HCPC
21. Speech and Language therapists registered with the HCPC
22. Hearing aid dispensers registered with the HCPC
23. Practioner psychologists registered with the HCPC
24. Social workers in England registered with the HCPC

GMC - General Medical Council
NMC - Nursing and Midwifery Council
GDC - General Dental Council
GCC - General Chiropractic Council
GOC - General Optical Council
GOsC - General Osteopathic Council
HCPC - Health and Care Professions Council

You may also give blood if your acupuncture was carried out by a qualified health care worker CURRENTLY in the NHS or in an NHS hospital.

If your acupuncture was performed by none of the above, you cannot give blood until it has been 4 months from completion of your acupuncture treatment.

Click here to go to the National Blood Service website

This information rechecked 24 October 2022

A draft statement for issue by BMAS members who meet the above criteria for practitioners is available on request from the BMAS London Office.