Every day, patients in Bucharest hospitals need blood transfusions: people undergoing complex surgical procedures, accident victims and patients receiving treatment for serious illnesses. For them, having blood available when it is needed can make the difference between life and death. Blood supplies depend on healthy people who choose to donate, not only when someone close to them needs help, but regularly throughout the year.

If you want to donate blood in Bucharest, several donation centers and collection points are available, including facilities within some of the capital's major hospitals. Where are they located, what are their opening hours in 2026, who is eligible to donate and what benefits do donors receive? Here is a practical guide to help you prepare for your visit.

Where to donate blood in Bucharest: addresses and opening hours

1. Bucharest Blood Transfusion Center – Sector 1

• Address: 2–8 Dr. Constantin Caracaș Street, Sector 1.

• Donor reception hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–1:30 PM.

• Phone: +40 31 405 36 60 / +40 31 405 36 61 / +40 31 405 36 62.

The Bucharest Blood Transfusion Center is the capital's main institution responsible for collecting, testing, processing and distributing blood. It supplies public and private hospitals, and donors can visit for medical screening and blood collection during the published opening hours.

For information about donation procedures and possible appointment requirements, it is advisable to check the center's latest announcements or call before visiting.

2. Bucharest University Emergency Hospital – Sector 5

• Address: 169 Splaiul Independenței.

• Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM.

• Phone: +40 21 318 05 23, extension 7119.

• Exact location: Hospital outpatient department, Room C8, accessible through the entrance to Building C.

Bucharest University Emergency Hospital operates a blood donation point in collaboration with the Bucharest Blood Transfusion Center.

An important detail for first-time visitors is that blood collection does not take place in the Emergency Department. Donors should go to the outpatient department, to the designated room. According to the hospital's published schedule, donations are accepted Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

For more information about the city's healthcare facilities, see our guide to the largest public hospitals in Bucharest, their medical specialties and how to reach them.

3. Floreasca Emergency Hospital – Sector 1

• Address: 8 Calea Floreasca.

• Access: Entrance C, according to the information published for the donation point.

• Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–12:30 PM.

The permanent blood collection point at Floreasca Emergency Hospital reopened on September 8, 2026, following a period of suspended activity.

According to an official announcement by the Bucharest Blood Transfusion Center, the facility can accommodate approximately 30–40 donors per day. Its reopening provides an additional option for people who live or work in northern Bucharest and may find it inconvenient to travel to the main transfusion center.

Donors are advised to confirm the opening hours before visiting, particularly around public holidays.

4. Prof. Dr. Dimitrie Gerota Emergency Hospital – Sector 2

• Address: 29–31 Vasile Vasilievici Stroescu Street.

• Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM.

• Phone: +40 21 252 33 34 or +40 21 303 70 80, the Ministry of Internal Affairs switchboard.

• Appointments: Through the hospital's online form or by email, according to the institution's instructions.

The blood collection point at Gerota Hospital operates within the healthcare network of Romania's Ministry of Internal Affairs and accepts eligible donors.

The hospital recommends booking an appointment in advance to help organize donation sessions. Prospective donors can contact the institution to ask about available time slots and medical eligibility requirements.

5. Ministry of National Defence Blood Transfusion Center – Sector 1

• Official name: Col. Prof. Dr. Nicolae Nestorescu Blood Transfusion Center.

• Address: 88 Mircea Vulcănescu Street, Sector 1.

• Blood collection hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–12:00 PM.

• Phone: +40 21 319 30 51–60, extension 7517 for consultations and blood collection, or extension 7520 for registration.

The Ministry of National Defence Blood Transfusion Center is a specialized institution responsible for collecting blood and blood components.

Although it belongs to Romania's military healthcare system, the center also conducts blood donation activities and provides information for prospective donors. Visitors should confirm access requirements and registration procedures before arriving.

The published collection schedule is Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to noon, excluding non-working days announced by the institution.

Who can donate blood in Romania in 2026?

Blood donation is open to people who meet the required medical eligibility criteria. These rules are designed to protect both the donor and the patient who will receive the blood.

Generally, donation centers require donors to be adults, weigh more than 50 kilograms (110 pounds), be in good health and present a valid identity document.

The Bucharest Blood Transfusion Center lists an age range of 18–65 in its general eligibility conditions. Some collection points, including Gerota Hospital, publish an age range of 18–60 and may apply additional requirements. People approaching these age limits or living with medical conditions should therefore check the specific criteria of their chosen center.

Certain circumstances may lead to temporary deferral or permanent exclusion from donation. These may include:

• Acute infections, fever or certain medications.

• Recent surgical procedures.

• Certain recent dental procedures, tattoos or piercings.

• Anemia or other abnormalities identified during medical screening.

• Pregnancy and the period following childbirth.

• Certain chronic or infectious diseases.

Not all these situations result in permanent exclusion. Some require only a waiting period, depending on the procedure, diagnosis or treatment involved.

The final decision on whether someone can donate is made by the medical staff at the collection center. Donors should answer all questions about their health and medical history accurately.

How to prepare before donating blood

Unlike some laboratory blood tests, donating blood does not require fasting. In fact, donation centers recommend having a light breakfast and drinking enough fluids before arriving.

Suitable choices on the morning of donation include light foods, fruit and water. Very fatty foods and alcohol should be avoided before donating, in accordance with the center's recommendations.

Getting enough sleep is also important. Anyone who has slept very little or is feeling unwell should postpone their donation.

At the center, donors must present a valid identity document and complete a medical questionnaire. Healthcare professionals will review the relevant information and perform the necessary checks before blood collection.

How long does blood donation take, and what happens afterward?

The actual collection of whole blood generally takes around 10 minutes. However, the entire visit takes longer because it also includes registration, completing the medical questionnaire, health screening and a short recovery period.

The Bucharest Blood Transfusion Center recommends allowing approximately one hour for the full process.

After donating, it is important to rest as instructed by the medical staff, drink fluids and avoid strenuous physical activity for the following hours.

Anyone experiencing dizziness or weakness should inform the medical team and wait until they feel well before leaving.

What benefits do blood donors receive in Romania in 2026?

People who successfully donate blood are entitled to several benefits under Romanian legislation.

Meal vouchers worth a total of 280 lei. In 2026, donors receive a food allowance in the form of meal vouchers, with a total value of 280 Romanian lei per donation.

One day off work. Employees can request a day off on the day they donate blood, based on the supporting document issued by the collection center. Whether this day is paid depends on the applicable legal provisions and employment agreements.

Public transport benefits. Romanian legislation provides, under certain conditions, for reimbursement of eligible transport expenses or a 50% discount on a monthly public transport pass.

Blood tests associated with donation. Donated blood is tested, and donors may access information about their test results according to the procedures established by the collection center.

For donations made from March 27, 2026, the Bucharest Blood Transfusion Center announced a temporary change to the procedure for collecting test results. Results must be collected in person at the institution, upon presentation of a valid identity document, as online access is temporarily unavailable.

How often can you donate blood?

For whole blood donations, the minimum interval between donations is generally eight weeks. There are also annual limits on the number of donations, which vary according to sex and the applicable medical criteria.

Plasma and platelet donations involve different procedures and have their own rules regarding donation frequency.

Even when the minimum waiting period has passed, eligibility for another donation depends on medical screening and the results of the checks performed before collection.

Can you donate blood at mobile donation campaigns in Bucharest?

Yes. In addition to permanent donation centers, Bucharest periodically hosts blood donation campaigns at public institutions, universities and other temporary collection locations.

For example, in April 2026, Bucharest City Hall organized a blood donation event at its headquarters at 47 Regina Elisabeta Boulevard, in collaboration with the Bucharest Blood Transfusion Center.

Such campaigns have their own dates, opening hours and registration procedures. They should not be confused with permanent donation centers, as blood is not necessarily collected at these locations every day.

Anyone interested in donating should check the schedule of a permanent center or consult the latest announcements from campaign organizers.

Blood donations are needed throughout the year, not only during public donation campaigns. Before leaving home, check the center's opening hours, eligibility criteria and any appointment requirements to avoid an unnecessary journey.