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Myths about Blood Donation

Myth 1: Blood donation is a painful process.

Fact: No blood donation is not at all painful. It only involves a needle prick and temporary discomfort.

Myth 2: Blood donation causes blood deficiency

Fact: Blood donation does not cause blood deficiency. The blood volume is revived within 48 hours. If the person has good eating habits he can donate blood four times a year.

Myth 3: People with diabetes cannot donate blood

Fact: People with diabetes can donate blood as long as their sugar level is within the permitted range.

Myth 4: Blood donation leads to obesity

Fact: People who eat more and avoid exercise after donating blood may gain weight. Blood donation directly does not result in weight gain.

Myth 5: Being a vegetarian, means that the blood does not have enough iron and cannot be donated.

Fact: Vegetarians can donate blood. The iron needed is taken from body stores and once a balanced diet is maintained is replaced after donation. This usually normally takes a month or so.

Myth 6:  HIV or other infections can be contracted from donating blood.

Fact: A clear procedure exists for taking blood from each donor. Sterility is maintained at all steps. A sterile, new needle is used for each donation and is then properly discarded. Use of sterile equipment and technique limits the chance of infection.

Myth 7: Giving blood is time consuming.

Fact: The time taken for a single donation session is normally not more than 30 minutes or so.

Myth 8: There is limited blood in the body and it is like inviting illness and weakness to give some away.

Fact: Only about 350-450ml of blood is taken during a donation session. There is enough blood in the body to donate it without any ill effects. The body makes new blood after donation.

Myth 9: Heavy people are healthier and have more blood to give.

Fact: Being overweight makes people less healthy. Overweight people do not have more blood.

Myth 10: You cannot take part in sports or other physical activities after donating blood.

Fact: Giving blood does not interfere with ability to perform physically. Advice to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous workouts for the rest of the day is given after the donation. You can get back on track the next day.

Myth 11: Taking medication means that one cannot be a blood donor.

Fact: Depending on the medication being taken, it may halt donation for a period, though in many cases it won’t prevent a donation. person in charge or the nursing staff should be informed before donating.

Myth 12: When there is a requirement, blood can be manufactured.

Fact: Blood is not something that can be manufactured. It can only come from healthy human beings.

Myth 13: Being of mixed race precludes blood from being helpful.

Fact: Race and caste have no bearing on eligibility being a blood donor. It is the blood type and group that is of importance.