Common myths about blood donation

What is holding you back from giving life-saving blood to your community? There are many common excuses for not donating blood and also many misconceptions about eligibility requirements but, in truth, there are very few things that may prevent an otherwise healthy person from donating blood.


Myths

I might get a disease from donating blood

Donating blood is a safe and simple procedure that takes about 30 minutes. All needles are new and sterile, are used only once and incinerated after use. It is not possible to catch Aids or any other infectious diseases by donating blood.

It might hurt

The actual drawing of blood causes no pain. You might feel a slight pinch when the needle is inserted, but that’s all.

They don’t really need my type

All types of blood, including common ones such as O-positive and A-positive are needed all the time. Every type is the right type – the demand for blood and blood components are constant.

I can’t give blood because I’m on medication

Many medications, including allergy medicines, vitamins, aspirins, birth control and blood pressure pills do not affect your eligibility as a blood donor. Be sure to tell the medical interviewer what medications you are taking or have taken recently.

I heard that I can’t donate blood because…

  • I have diabetes. As long as your diabetes is under control and stable, you can donate
  • I have a heart condition. As long as you are not on any heart medication (other than aspirin), you can donate
  • I had a stroke. As long as it has been a year since your stroke and you are not on any medications or have no activity restrictions, you can donate
  • I’m anemic. Your iron level will be checked prior to donating blood. As long as levels are normal on the day of donation, you may donate
  • I have epilepsy or seizures. Epilepsy or seizures do not disqualify you from donating
  • I have high cholesterol. High cholesterol does not disqualify you from donating, even if medication is used to control it.

Who needs blood?

Every day thousands of people need transfusions. Here are just a few categories of people who may need a blood transfusion:

  • Accident victims
  • Women haemorrhaging due to pregnancy complications
  • Children with severe anaemia
  • Surgical and cancer patients.

Who can donate blood?

Any healthy person can become a blood donor – you are not restricted by your race, gender or financial standing. The only requirement is that you have to make the effort to get up and go to a centre to donate blood. With this one small action, you could help save the life of three people.

Here are the basic requirements you need to meet to become a blood donor:

  • You must weigh at least 50kg
  • You must be between the ages of 16 and 65
  • You should have a healthy lifestyle and be completely well after having had a cough, cold or flu
  • You need to lead a sexually safe lifestyle
  • You have waited six months after tattooing or body piercing
  • You have waited 24 hours following minor dental treatment or one month following major dental work
  • Your blood must be considered safe and healthy for donating.

Before donating blood, you should:

  • Eat a balanced meal at least four hours before you donate
  • Check whether you are eligible to donate.

Upon donation, you will:

  • Complete a questionnaire concerning your personal details
  • Answer questions relating to your health and social behaviour
  • Undergo a one-on-one interview as a follow-up to your answers
  • Have your iron (haemoglobin) level checked, as well as your blood pressure and pulse rate
  • Be allowed to donate one unit of blood (480ml).

Refreshments will be provided to replace lost fluid. However, should you feel unwell after the donation or think you may have an infection, you will be able to contact the nearest donor clinic for assistance.

Where can you go to donate blood?

You can contact either the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) or by visiting www.sanbs.org.za or www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/donating-blood-saves-lives or by phoning 0800 11 9031.

Sources
www.bloodcenters.org
www.inyourhands.org
www.sanbs.org.za
www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/donating-blood-saves-lives