Busting myths on Donating Blood.
                     BUSTING MYTHS 
ON DONATING 
BLOOD
INTRODUCTION
• Blood donation is regarded as a noble 
service. However, most people tend 
to get nervous at the thought of 
donating blood the sharp syringe or 
blood oozing out of their veins or 
worries about air bubbles in the tubes.
Source: 
www.readersdigest.in
MYTHS ON DONATING 
BLOOD
Myth 1: Blood 
donation hurts
• The needle prick is the only pain one 
feels when donating blood. The area 
on the arm heals within a day or two. 
• The weakness post donating blood 
can be dealt with by drinking plenty of 
water and eating.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
Myth 2: If you smoke, you 
cannot be a blood donor
• You can donate even if you are a 
smoker. However, you must be at 
least 18 years old and weigh at least 
50 kilograms. 
• Also, you should avoid smoking for 
three hours after donating blood and 
also stay away from alcohol for 24 
hours prior to donating blood.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
Myth 3: Donating blood makes 
the immune system weak
• There is no such lasting danger to the 
immune system when you donate 
blood. 
• While the Red Blood Cells return to 
normal within a few days, the White 
Blood Cells take a few weeks, 
However, if the body finds itself in 
danger, they can be produced quickly.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
Myth 4: Blood donation 
is time-consuming
• Blood donation takes 45 minutes to 
an hour, only. 
• The donation process itself takes 
barely 10-12 minutes, but the entire 
process from filling out forms to 
taking refreshments after donation 
takes that amount of time.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
Myth 5: Blood donors 
become obese
• Blood donation doesn't affect your 
body weight at all, it remains 
unchanged unless you decide to 
reward yourself with too much junk 
post-donation and that is your 
responsibility and has nothing to do 
with blood donation, so stop finding 
excuses.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
Myth 6: Blood donation 
isn't for diabetic patient
• You cannot donate blood only and 
only if you take supplements to fix 
your diabetes, like insulin. 
• You CAN donate blood if you control 
your diabetes with the help of lifestyle 
changes and pills. 
• Those who have heart problems and 
blood pressure from type 2 diabetes, 
however, might not be able to donate 
in exceptional cases.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
Myth 7: High BP patients 
cannot be blood donors
• Those with blood pressure between 
180 systolic and 100 diastolic can 
very well donate blood. 
• This frame might be considered high, 
but it does not isolate you from 
donating blood. 
• Moreover, blood pressure medicines 
do not interfere with the process at 
all.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
Myth 8: A blood donor 
is prone to infections
• A fresh needle is used for each blood 
donor. So, there is no chance of an 
infection that is usually assumed to 
be transferred from needles like HIV 
from blood donation.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
Myth 9: One day of rest is 
needed after donating blood
• You can resume your daily activities 
almost right after donating blood as 
long as you make sure you drink 
enough water and juices to replenish 
your body fluids. 
• You should also avoid alcohol and 
direct sunlight for 24 hours. 
Source: www.indiatoday.in