25 myths debunked about blood donation

Donating blood is an act of love and, very important, because it can save lives. Although many people already have this habit and there are several public actions to encourage the practice, it is a fact that the number of donors could be greater: many people are afraid of donating and, mainly, several doubts around the subject.

A survey carried out by ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency), with the objective of highlighting the profile of blood donors and non-donors in Brazil, showed that, of the total number of respondents, 405 people responded that donating blood is a good act, love / solidarity / humanity (23.81%). However, 739 respondents said that the reason people do not donate blood is fear (36.15%). When asked about receiving something after the donation, of the 543 respondents who said they had received something, 161 responded that the satisfaction in helping is the greatest reward (28.20%).

Fundação Pró-Sangue (Hemocentro de São Paulo) recalls that blood transfusions and blood products help to save millions of lives each year, increase the hope and quality of life of patients with life-threatening conditions, as well as support procedures complex medical and surgical They also play a key role in maternal and child care and in assisting victims of natural and man-made disasters.

For Renato Romano, coordinator of the Nursing Course at Centro Universitário Newton Paiva, in Belo Horizonte, blood donation is, before any definition, an act of solidarity with others (known or unknown). “We have several public actions that encourage blood donation, as well as the benefits generated through donations. There are still many people who are shy about donating, whether for reasons related to religion, myths, taboos (especially after the advent of HIV and AIDS in the 1980s), or lack of information about the process”, he says.

“I also believe that there is a need for a broader awareness of the donation process (both the benefits and the importance) directly linked to teaching, from the early grades onwards, introducing the essence of the process even in children”, says Romano.

Several people, in fact, confess to having doubts about donating blood. And the worst: they often end up letting themselves be deceived by true myths created around the subject. There are those who believe, for example, that donating blood runs the risk of catching HIV; who do not have “good blood” to donate, among other negative ideas.

Below you can find clarification for 25 myths about blood donation.

1. MYTH: Donating blood hurts

Araci explains that the collection of blood for donation is done through the puncture of a vein in the arm.

Feeling pain is relative, and, for some people, donating blood can cause a certain “discomfort”, but it is nothing exaggerated, nothing that is very different from drawing blood for tests.

2. MYTH: A person can get HIV during blood donation

“All the material used to collect the blood is sterile and disposable”, highlights Araci.

3. MYTH: There is a limited amount of blood in the body and, donating, the person will be low on blood

“The volume removed is quickly replaced with fluid intake on the day of donation. The recovery of blood components is slower, which is why a minimum interval between donations of 60 days for men and 90 days for women is recommended”, explains hematologist Araci.

4. MYTH: Donating blood is bad because it always lowers blood pressure

This is not a rule and should not be a cause for concern. “Blood donation is done in order to preserve the well-being of the donor, but occasionally, there may be a drop in blood pressure, usually of a mild nature and easily reversed”, highlights Araci.

5. MYTH: Women who take the pill cannot donate blood

Araci points out that this is a myth and that the use of contraceptives does not prevent blood donation.

6. MYTH: During the menstrual period a woman cannot donate

Romana points out that women can donate even during their menstrual period, “as long as they do not have proven anemia in the exam that precedes the donation”.

7. MYTH: Vegetarians cannot donate blood

This is not a rule, the point is that “one of the tests recommended by current legislation checks the hemoglobin level (anemia test) before donation. People who do not eat red meat regularly may have a hemoglobin level below the recommended level for blood donation”, explains Araci Sakashita, hematologist at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.

8. MYTH: Seniors cannot donate blood

Renato Romano highlights that the elderly who are up to 69 years old can donate, “provided they have donated blood for the first time before the age of 60”.

9. MYTH: Under 18s cannot donate blood at all

“Minors under 18, as long as they are 16 or 17 years old, are eligible, however, it is necessary to have prior authorization from their legal guardians”, highlights Romano.

10. MYTH: Anyone who has had plastic surgery will no longer be able to donate blood

“Blood donation is allowed from three to six months after the surgery, depending on the type of surgery and anesthesia”, explains Araci.

11. MYTH: Some blood is not good for donation

Araci points out that the donation of any blood type is always welcome.

12. MYTH: Anyone who drinks alcohol (socially) can never donate blood

“The current legislation establishes that blood donation is allowed 12 hours after the social consumption of alcoholic beverages”, explains Araci.

13. MYTH: Everyone gets sick after donating blood

Many people feel absolutely no trouble donating blood. “The blood collection process is done in order to ensure and preserve the well-being of the donor. However, even with all preventive measures, discomfort can occur during or after the donation. The frequent observation of the donor allows for early detection and improvement of any adverse effects associated with the donation”, highlights the hematologist.

14. MYTH: The material used in the donation is not safe

Araci points out that all the material used in the collection of donated blood is sterile and disposable. Thus, it poses no risk to the donor’s health.

15. MYTH: A person who donates blood once is obliged to donate again

This is yet another myth, according to Araci. “Donating blood once does not make a new donation mandatory”, he says.

People are free to donate whenever they can (as long as they respect the minimum interval between donations of 60 days for men and 90 days for women).

16. MYTH: You must be fasting to donate

“Blood donation should not be done on an empty stomach and an interval of 3 hours is recommended after a copious, high-fat meal,” says Araci.

“We remind you that the blood donor is submitted to an extensive questionnaire and other conditions that prevent donation can be detected at the time of the interview”, adds the hematologist.

17. MYTH: Any medication prevents a person from donating blood

The truth is, taking medication is not an automatic deterrent. Some are perfectly acceptable. Others don’t.

“The use of some drugs does not allow the donation of blood, temporarily or permanently. In the case of using any medication, prior contact with the blood bank is recommended to make sure about the possibility of donating blood”, explains Araci.

18. MYTH: A diabetic person can never donate blood

Type II diabetics (non-insulin dependent) are eligible to donate blood. “Blood donation is not recommended, according to current legislation, if the person with diabetes uses insulin”, says Araci.

19. MYTH: Those who have an active sex life cannot donate blood

“Only risky sexual behavior temporarily contraindicates donation”, highlights Romano.

20. MYTH: Those who are on a diet (to lose weight) cannot donate blood

“As long as the person is not using any medication, or fits the minimum weight (50kg), there is no contraindication”, explains Romano.

21. MYTH: Blood donation is not allowed while breastfeeding

Romano explains that a period of 12 months is required after delivery. “From then on, the woman will be able to donate blood normally”, he says.

22. MYTH: A person cannot have sex after (on the same day) that they donate blood

Romano emphasizes that there is no contraindication in this regard. The important thing is to respect the rest interval and avoid intense physical activities.

23. MYTH: People with piercings, tattoos or permanent makeup will never be able to donate blood again

Romano explains that 12 months after these procedures, people can donate blood normally.

24. MYTH: The person who donates blood “gets nothing in return”

Romano explains that blood donors are entitled to a day off work for each donation made.

In addition, it is worth mentioning: it is very gratifying to know that you are helping others through an action that is apparently so simple for you, but so important.

The Fundação Pró-Sangue emphasizes, however, that, in Brazil, blood donation cannot be remunerated under any circumstances. According to the legislation that governs hemotherapy procedures in our territory, such a gesture must be devoid of any kind of benefit.

25. MYTH: Donating blood makes you lose weight

“There is no relationship between weight loss or weight gain. Organic compensation takes place after the act of blood donation”, explains Romano.

Common questions about donating blood

Below, professionals clarify other questions about blood donation:

1. Can gays donate blood?

Araci explains that the current legislation establishes that the donation candidate is considered unfit for 12 months when exposed to situations of increased risk of exposure to infectious agents that can be transmitted through blood, such as, for example: “sexual partner of patients in a program of renal replacement therapy and patients with a history of transfusion of blood components or derivatives; individual who has had sex with one or more casual or unknown partners or their respective sexual partners; men who have had sex with other men and/or their sexual partners; individual who has had sexual intercourse with a person with HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C or other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections”. (Ministry of Health. Ordinance No. 2,712, OF NOVEMBER 12, 2013)

2. Can the person play sports after donating blood?

“The recommendation is not to exert physical effort on the day of donation to minimize the chance of any discomfort during exercise”, says hematologist Araci.

3. Is any test performed on donated blood?

Various tests are carried out to search for communicable diseases through donated blood, according to Romano. “Pre-donation screening is also performed, which may temporarily or permanently contraindicate the act of donating,” he adds.

4. What care should the person have after the donation?

“Basically, it is recommended to rest and avoid intense physical activities, as well as carrying large weights or operating…