Donor haemovigilance

Explore practical, evidence-based resources to enhance donor care and safety

The donor haemovigilance hub shares powerful learning and real-world insights to support continuous improvement. Protecting blood donors is the foundation of a safe, sustainable and reliable blood supply.

Developed in collaboration with Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT)

Clinical assessment following donor adverse events

Title Updated
Assessing donors with suspected allergic reactions (PDF only, 233KB) 12 January 2026
Assessing donors with possible vasovagal reactions (PDF only, 223KB) 12 January 2026
Assessing donors with possible arm complications (PDF only, 288KB) 13 June 2025

Useful additional resources

Title Updated
Points of Care principles (PDF only, 235KB) 20 April 2026
Management of accidental arterial puncture (PDF only, 357KB) 12 January 2026
Good venepuncture practice (PDF only, 384KB) 12 January 2026
Post-donation management of nerve injury related to donation (PDF only, 594KB) 13 June 2025

Useful external sites

About the donor haemovigilance hub

What are these documents about?

These documents provide guidance for the assessment of donor complications associated with blood donation, aiding in possible diagnosis and promoting consistent, standardised reporting of blood donor adverse events (DAEs). They also support the appropriate management of donors and donations.

Who are these documents intended for?

These documents are intended for healthcare professionals responsible for the clinical assessment of donors experiencing potential adverse events following blood donations. These will not replace the clinical judgement required for the evaluation of donor adverse events.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the working group comprising all four UK Blood Services for their contributions to these documents, as well as the nursing staff from each UK Blood Service for their valuable feedback. We also extend our gratitude to the JPAC (SACCSD) and SHOT offices for their support.

Copyright permission

These documents are the properties of JPAC (SACCSD) and SHOT. Credit should be provided if they are used or copied. For wider circulation, formal permission must be obtained from the JPAC or SHOT office.

Enquiries

Please contact the JPAC office at JPACOffice@nhsbt.nhs.uk for any questions related to these documents. When contacting, please specify that your query pertains to documents on clinical assessment following DAEs.

Review Period

The information provided will be reviewed every three years through an internal process.

SHOT haemovigilance doodles

These doodles are free to download! They can be used for teaching purposes and as email signatures.

Images should be used as they are, without amending, or cropping any of the details or SHOT logo.

Please contact SHOT with any feedback or ideas for future messages at shot@nhsbt.nhs.uk.

Saving lives together

An illustration of a group of people holding a banner to thank blood donors and healthcare staff. Text reads: "Saving lives together. Thanks to all our blood donors and all healthcare staff involved in the journey of blood - you are helping make a difference."


Informed donors - better donor safety

An illustration highlighting the need for blood donors to be informed of pre- and post-donation care. text reads: "Informed blood donors equals better donor safety. All blood donors need to be aware of pre- and post-donation care." The SHOT logo is included in the image.


Protect every blood donor

An illustration highlighting the need to spot concerns early to protect blood donors. Text reads: "Spot concerns early, escalate and manage appropriately. Protect every blood donor. Encourage donors to report issues promptly." The SHOT logo is included in the image.