Myth 1: Donors risk contracting dangerous diseases during blood collection

Disposable sterile instruments are unpacked in front of you and destroyed immediately after the blood sampling procedure is completed.

Myth 2: It hurts

It hurts to donate blood from your finger. And the nerve endings, of which there are many on the pads, are to blame. However, during donation, blood is taken from a vein. You will only feel the insertion of the needle, as the procedure itself is virtually painless.

Myth 3: It takes a long time

The whole procedure, including the necessary formalities, takes no more than an hour. The donation process itself takes only 15 minutes. Donating individual blood components (platelets or plasma) can take from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.

Myth 4: Anyone may become a donor

Unfortunately, this is not true. One cannot donate blood if he or she has a history of blood diseases, HIV, viral hepatitis, cancer, or tuberculosis. Other conditions that may be temporary contraindication include acute respiratory infections, vaccinations, tooth extraction, pregnancy and breastfeeding, tattoos, or piercings. It is not recommended for women to donate blood during menstruation or the week after.

Myth 5: Blood donation impairs health

Humans are evolutionarily adapted to donating blood and losing small amounts of blood. When donating, a person gives up to 500 ml, which is not much at all. Observations of people who have been donating blood for a long time have not revealed any abnormalities associated with this procedure.

On the contrary, regular blood donations habituate the body to recover faster after blood loss, which has some stimulating effect, so donors, for the most part, are active and cheerful people. In addition, those who are born with a high number of red blood cells often become donors. After donating blood, some even notice an improvement in their well-being.

Myth 6: Blood may be donated as often as desired

This is not true, as after blood loss the body needs time to recover. That is why men may donate blood no more than five times per year and women no more than four times per year. The intervals between donations should be at least two months.

Myth 7: One must be on a diet for a week to donate blood

It is better to abstain from fried, spicy, salty, and fatty foods on the eve of blood donation day. However, one doesn't need to undertake a special diet to donate blood. The most important consideration is that those with plant-based diets do not have anemia or other contraindications.

Myth 8: You cannot donate while on certain medications

You need to warn your doctor if you are taking medications. Anticoagulants, antiaggregants, and some dermatological drugs can be contraindications to blood donation. After taking certain medications you should avoid donating blood — for antibiotics wait two weeks, and for painkillers wait three days.

Myth 9: Donors must not drink or smoke

It is necessary to give up alcohol two days before donating blood. It is recommended to avoid smoking an hour before and within two hours after donation.

To alleviate any lingering fears you have, talk to someone during the next blood drive in your area. You may find that you enjoy donating, and you could give someone a chance at life.

27 September 2021