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Boots branches in south London and Birmingham are providing 25,000 free blood type self-testing kits to help increase blood donations on the NHS to improve treatment of sickle cell disease.

The multiple said the pilot will encourage people with “most-needed blood types” to come forward, particularly O negative and B negative as well as people with black heritage.

The testing kits use a small drop of blood and a litmus-style test card to show a person's likely blood type in about five minutes. People taking part in the pilot must be 17 or older. Boots said they could be asked “further eligibility questions before being given the kit”.

“It will contain everything needed to take the test at home with a QR code to submit the result and book online to donate,” it said. “Only lab-based testing can confirm someone's blood type and donors will have their type confirmed after their first donation.”

Sickle cell is an inherited blood disorder that changes round red blood cells into a rigid, crescent shape, causing blockages in blood vessels and is common in people with an African or Caribbean family background.

Boots is providing the tests as part of a partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant, whose research revealed less than half of people know their blood type.

“It is hoped that discovering their blood type will encourage more people in South London and Birmingham to register as a donor and book an appointment at their local permanent donor centre or at a nearby mobile session,” Boots said.

“People may find out even more about their blood following donation. For example, they may be told they have the subtype Ro which is vital for treating sickle cell.

“Others may find out they are cytomegalovirus negative which means their blood lacks a common antibody and can be safely given to newborn babies.”

Boots in Brixton Road and Walworth Road in London and The Bull Ring Shopping Centre and High Street in Birmingham are taking part in the pilot.

“The Boots stores are situated close to donor centres. Birmingham Donor Centre has around 850 appointments still available over the next two weeks and Brixton has 1,300,” Boots said.

It added: “The NHS needs up to 200,000 new donors each year to replace those who stop donating and to make sure it has enough of each blood type to save lives in emergencies, treat cancer and support thousands of people with serious long-term conditions, including sickle cell and thalassaemia.”