Dr. Surabhi Garg
Blood is essential and life-saving for a well-functioning healthcare system but there is a huge gap between demand and supply. Many myths and misconceptions about blood donation should be burst with facts by people’s awareness.
- Myth – Blood Donation Causes Weakness in body
Fact- Recovery is complete in a day or two, stimulation of new cells is good for health .
2.Myth-Blood Donation is a painful process
Fact-Very smooth needle, only a slight pinch in arm and that’s it.
3.Myth-A Lot of blood is taken
Fact-Only 350-450 ml of blood is taken.
4.Myth-Giving Blood is Time Consuming
Fact-blood donation takes only 8-10 minutes
5.Myth-There is need to take a day off after blood donation
Fact-Donor can start working at office after it .
6.Myth-Donor can contract infections like HIV, Covid during donation
Fact- for blood donation new sterile bags are used with aseptic techniques there is no chance of contracting any infection.
7.Myth- Donor can give blood once a year
Fact- As per government guidelines- Male can donate blood every 3 monthly and Females every 4 monthly
8.Myth- Vegetarians and vegans cannot donate blood
Fact- Any person having haemoglobin greater than 12.5 gm % is eligible to give blood.
- Myth- Blood donation is only for heavier person
Fact- any person having weight > 45 kg can donate blood.
10 Myth- Females cannot give blood
Fact- Any female having haemoglobin > 12.5 gm % can give blood
- Myth- Donating blood lowers immunity
Fact –it increases immunity and prevents from heart disease and brain stroke.
12.Myth- People on medication cannot give blood
Fact- many medicines don’t declassify as BP & Diabetes.
- Myth- People having tattoo and piercing are not eligible
Fact- can donate after one year of having tattoo - Myth- I am saving up for when my family needs it
Fact- One unit of blood can save upto 3-4 lives.Humanity is also family. - Myth- Donated blood is sold for profit
Fact- Selling and purchasing both are not allowed.
16.Myth- Older adults cannot give blood
Fact- Anyone between age 18 years to 65 years can donate
- Myth – Nobody asked me
Fact- we should be the reason for someone’s heartbeat and this 2022 the world blood Donor day slogan is-
Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives.
(The author is a Consultant, Transfusion Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Noida. Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of FinancialExpress.com.)