Planning To Donate Blood? Here Are Some Popular Blood Donation Facts And Myths You Should Definitely Know!

Donating blood is an act of kindness that can save many lives. While the process can be intimidating, it is fairly simple. However, before you donate blood, you must know the process, benefits, and side effects. This can reduce the negative effects and help you be ready for the procedure both physically and mentally.  

Donating blood is essential to contemporary healthcare, enabling various medical procedures and saving countless lives. However, blood donation is also associated with a number of myths and misconceptions despite its critical role in saving lives. For example, some people think that giving blood causes extreme discomfort or that it can cause anaemia. Some people might be worried about the procedure's safety or how it will affect their health.

Blood donation is a simple, safe procedure with many advantages over the risks. By debunking common misconceptions about blood donation, more people will be inspired to engage in this essential act of kindness. Read along to learn some amazing facts about blood donation, including its negative effects, whether it is healthy, who cannot donate blood, and why.

Table Of Contents

1. What Are Some Amazing Facts About Blood Donation?

2. Myths Associated With Blood Donation

3. Are There Any Negative Effects Of Donating Blood?

4. Is It Actually Healthy To Donate Blood?

5. Who Cannot Donate Blood And Why?

6. Dietitian’s Recommendation

7. The Final Say

8. FAQs

9. References

What Are Some Amazing Facts About Blood Donation?

Here are some interesting facts about blood donation:

1. You Can Only Donate Your Red Blood Cells

This is called a Power Red donation, a specialised type of blood donation where the donor's blood is processed through an automated system (apheresis) to separate and collect only the red blood cells. During a Power Red Donation, a donor's blood is drawn using a needle in one arm, and an automated system separates the red blood cells from other blood components such as platelets and plasma.

The donor's body receives the remaining blood components using a needle in the other arm. This type of donation allows a larger volume of red blood cells to be collected than a regular whole blood donation. Power Red Donations provides a powerful way to maximise the impact of a single donation by targeting the component most needed by patients requiring a red blood cell transfusion.

2. You Can Donate Blood Even If You Have Diabetes

It is typically regarded as safe to donate blood if you have diabetes. However, it is important to manage your diabetes effectively and maintain good general health before donating blood. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can assist in maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

3. You Must Be Between 18 And 65 To Donate Blood.

The World Health Organisation recommends that a person can donate blood between the ages of 18 and 65. In addition, the person should weigh at least 45 kg and have a haemoglobin content of not less than 12.5 g/100 ml.

Minors cannot donate blood because they cannot legally consent. The age limit for older is upto 65 and depends on the individual's general state of health and whether they have already donated blood in the past. 

4. In An Emergency, O-Negative Blood Can Be Given To Anyone

In an emergency, O-negative blood can be given to anyone. This is because red blood cells contain antigens, which are surface proteins that can trigger an immune response. O-negative blood is unique because it lacks these antigens, making it safe for recipients of any blood type.

To clarify further, blood type A has antigen A, blood type B has antigen B, and blood type AB has both A and B antigens. Blood type O, on the other hand, has no antigens at all. This absence of antigens in O-negative blood allows it to be universally accepted, making it a critical resource in medical emergencies.

5. AB Plasma Can Be Administered To Any Individual

Plasma, the liquid portion of blood, makes up around half of our total blood volume. The remaining 45% are made up of platelets suspended in plasma, white blood cells, and red blood cells. It is recommended that people with type AB blood think about giving plasma.

Type AB blood is the only universal plasma, meaning it can be transfused to patients of any type. As a result, type AB plasma can be transfused quickly without requiring time-consuming compatibility tests to determine the patient's blood group, thereby preserving key moments.

6. AB Positive Blood Group Is A Universal Recipient

When an individual has a certain blood type, their immune system creates antibodies against the antigens they lack. Individuals with type AB+ blood are considered universal recipients because they lack antibodies against A, B, or Rh antigens in their blood. This allows them to receive red blood cells from donors of any blood type.

7. Whole Blood Donors Are At Risk Of Iron Deficiency If They Donate Too Often

Although donating blood is commendable, you must not do so at the risk of your life or health. Doctors advise regular donors of whole blood to keep a gap of at least 3 months between two consecutive donations. Likewise, a 9-month gap between two successive Power Red donations should exist. Those who fall short of this gap are often at risk of iron deficiency.

Also Read: Boost Vascular Health: 24 Essential Foods For Better Blood Flow! 

Myths Associated With Blood Donation 

Let’s have a look at some common misconceptions about blood donation: 

Also Read: Why Is Healthy Nutrition Important? Debunking Myths & Tips 

Are There Any Negative Effects Of Donating Blood?

Donating blood is safe for healthy adults. New, sterile equipment is always used for each donor. However, donating blood usually causes some mild adverse effects, such as:

1. Pain

Donating blood requires a needle inserted into the arm to draw blood, which may cause mild pain and discomfort. However, the pain usually subsides within a few minutes, and the donation process is painless. After donating blood, you may feel a slight pain at the point where the needle was inserted. A doctor may prescribe a pain reliever in case of severe pain or discomfort, which is rare.

2. Bruises

Some people experience bruising around the needle site, and the skin around the area may turn blue or purple. However, this is a mild side effect of donating blood that usually subsides in a day or two and causes little or no discomfort. You can do cold therapy by applying an ice pack to the bruised area for quick healing.

3. Continued Bleeding

In rare cases, some blood donors may experience prolonged bleeding that requires medical intervention. If you notice continuous bleeding that doesn't stop after applying pressure for 10-15 minutes, or if the bleeding resumes after removing the bandage, contact the blood donation staff or your healthcare provider immediately. They can assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment if needed.

4. Nausea And Dizziness

Mild nausea and dizziness are expected after donating blood. You will be under observation for about 15 minutes after donating blood. To relieve nausea and dizziness, it is recommended that you take light snacks and fruit juice, such as pomegranate juice, during this time. These symptoms usually go away after a few minutes of donating blood. 

5. Weakness

It is expected to feel physically weak after donating blood. Eat something light and nutritious and get enough rest. Also, avoid lifting anything heavy for at least 5-6 hours or until your arm feels better.

Also Read: Smart, Delicious Low-Calorie Snacks For Health Goals | ToneOp 

Is It Actually Healthy To Donate Blood?

Yes, donating blood can save many lives. There are also several health benefits for donors, including improved heart and emotional health. It is healthy to donate blood and has many health benefits, such as:

1. Free Screenings

Your vital signs are checked before you are allowed to donate. This screening is an opportunity to detect potential high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or infectious diseases you may not know. Additionally, it may disclose to you that you have an uncommon blood type—information that will be crucial if you ever require blood in an emergency.

2. Cardio Health

Donating blood is associated with lower blood pressure and a lower risk of heart attack. It also reduces the viscosity of your blood, which is associated with blood clots and stroke.

Also Read: Top 10 Heart Healthy Foods To Include In Your Cardiovascular Diet Plan

3. Reducing Harmful Iron

Everyone needs iron in the blood. However, hemochromatosis, or having too much iron, affects one in 200 persons. One method to reduce excessive blood iron levels is to donate red blood cells.

4. Improved Liver Health

Blood donation can provide unexpected advantages for liver health, mainly by lowering the body's iron overload. The liver plays a critical role in the metabolism of iron, and high iron levels can cause diseases like hemochromatosis, which, over time, can harm the liver. By enabling the body to eliminate extra iron through the loss of red blood cells, blood donation helps to reduce this risk, as too much iron can also harm the liver. 

Also Read: Liver Detox: Best Foods For Liver Health

5. Happiness & Contentment 

Donating blood often brings a sense of happiness and contentment, as many people feel good about helping others. Research shows that happier individuals tend to live longer.

People typically choose to donate because it feels rewarding to contribute to the well-being of others. Altruism and volunteering are associated with positive health outcomes, including a lower risk of depression and an increased lifespan.

6. Healthier Heart And Vascular System

Frequent blood donation is linked to a lower risk of heart attack and blood pressure reduction. It helps reduce cardiovascular risk factors. What is the connection? 

If your haemoglobin is too high, donating blood helps reduce blood viscosity associated with blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Interestingly, these benefits are more significant in men than in women. Maybe it's because women have menstrual cycles, so blood replenishment is natural without donating it.

Who Cannot Donate Blood And Why?

Blood donation may be restricted for some people if you have the following: 

1. You Have A Recent Piercing Or Tattoo

Suppose you have recently had a tattoo, body piercing, semi-permanent makeup, or any treatment penetrating the skin. In that case, you must wait at least four months before being eligible to donate. The primary reason is to prevent transmission of the hepatitis virus. 

2. You Have A Terrible Cold Or Flu

If you have a cold, fever, or flu–or are just feeling unwell overall on the donation day, you should wait and come back when you feel better. The Red Cross follows this policy as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of influenza during blood drives.

3. You Have Recently Been Treated With Antibiotics

Donors may not donate blood if they have had an infection within the last two weeks or if they have finished an antibiotic course within the last seven days. Bloodborne infections can occur.

4. You Are Underweight

Usually, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds or 50 kg and be in good health. Donors under the age of eighteen also need to adhere to strict height and weight guidelines. After having your blood collected, you run the risk of passing out or becoming dangerously weak if you are underweight or have low iron levels in your blood.

Dietitian’s Recommendation

Donating blood is safe, and a healthy adult can donate a pint of blood without experiencing health risks. If you take good care of your diet after donating blood, your body will replenish the lost fluids and red blood cells within a few weeks. So, if you can donate blood, don't shy away from this act.

                                                                           Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

Donating blood is a noble cause. The demand for blood is high, and if you are healthy enough to donate blood, you should go ahead and save some lives. You should also definitely apply for health insurance. It is important to have online health insurance before donating because your treatment will be covered if you are diagnosed with any disease during the tests.

FAQs

1. How much blood can you donate?

You can usually donate one unit of blood, which is around 350ml. If you pass the health tests and are deemed eligible to donate, you can donate the required amount of blood at once. A healthy adult normally has 5-6 litres of blood in the body, so donating 350ml is safe.

2. How long does it take to recover from donating blood?

It takes about a few hours. After donating blood, you will be asked to lie down until you feel better. In the meantime, you should take fruits such as bananas or juices to replenish energy. It usually takes about 2 hours to return to normal after donating blood.

References

• https://www.tataaig.com/knowledge-center/health-insurance/what-are-the-side-effects-of-donating-blood

• https://www.hdfcergo.com/blogs/health-insurance/what-are-the-side-effects-of-donating-blood

• https://healthmatters.nyp.org/the-surprising-benefits-of-donating-blood/

• https://www.biospecialty.com/health-benefits-of-blood-donation

• https://www.nybc.org/donate-blood/donor-eligibility/common-reasons-people-cant-donate/

  
  

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