In the U.S., over 13.2 million (Trusted Source) people donate blood each year. Worldwide, that number jumps to more than 100 million (Trusted Source) units of blood donated annually.
Since blood can only be stored for a limited time, regular donations are crucial. As the World Health Organization (WHO) (Trusted Source) puts it:
“Choosing to donate blood can save a life—or even multiple lives if your blood is separated into its components (red cells, platelets, and plasma), each helping patients with different medical needs.”
Medical News Today spoke with Dr. James F. Kenny, associate chair of Emergency Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital in New York. He highlighted how vital donated blood is:
“Patients who’ve suffered major trauma, undergone surgery, received chemotherapy, or have bone marrow diseases often rely on blood transfusions to survive. In the U.S., someone receives a transfusion every 2 seconds—that’s 21 million transfusions per year!”
Key Takeaways:
1. Donating blood can make you sick
If you’re healthy before donating, you won’t be less healthy afterward. Doctors recommend resting for a day and drinking fluids, but your health isn’t at risk.
Your blood volume bounces back in about 48 hours, mostly through plasma replenishment. Lost red blood cells fully return within 4–8 weeks.
Dr. Emanuel T. Ferro, Ph.D., a pathologist and blood bank director, told MNT:
“Blood donation is very safe. Most donors give a pint in under 15 minutes after a quick health check. Reactions are rare.”
That said, some people might feel tired or lightheaded afterward. Dr. John Raimo noted:
“These effects pass quickly. Drinking water and having a snack helps. You might also have minor soreness or a bruise where the needle went in.”
Dr. Kenny added that younger or lighter individuals may feel dizzy, but “drinking fluids beforehand usually prevents it.”
2. Older adults cannot give blood
Not true. In the U.S., anyone over 16 and weighing 110+ lbs (50+ kg) can donate. Rules vary by country—for example, the U.K. allows donors aged 17–66, or up to 70 if they’ve donated before. Even those over 70 can donate if they’ve given blood in the last 2 years.
3. If you’re on medication, you can’t donate
This is partly false. Some drugs (like blood thinners or certain acne treatments) disqualify you, but most medications don’t. Always check with a doctor first—never stop prescribed meds just to donate.
4. Giving blood takes too long
The actual donation takes 8–10 minutes. Including registration and recovery, the whole process is about 1 hour and 15 minutes (per the American Red Cross).
5. You could get an infection from donating
Dr. Ferro clarified:
“We use sterile needles and techniques. Infections are nearly unheard of. Every needle is new, single-use, so there’s zero risk of catching anything.”
6. Blood transfusions can give you infections
While not directly about donating, this myth persists. Dr. Kenny explained:
“It’s extremely rare—blood is rigorously tested. For example, the chance of getting hepatitis C from a transfusion is roughly 1 in 100 million.”
7. Donating blood hurts
There’s a quick pinch when the needle goes in, but discomfort is minimal. Afterward, you might have slight soreness or a bruise, but it fades in a few days.
8. You can only donate once a year
False. After 8 weeks, your red blood cells replenish, making it safe to donate again. The American Red Cross allows whole blood donations every 56 days.
9. Tattoos or piercings disqualify you
Mostly a myth. The American Red Cross says:
- Wait 3 months if the tattoo was done in an unregulated state.
- Piercings are fine if single-use tools were used. Wait 3 months if a reusable gun was involved.
10. High blood pressure prevents donation
Only if your systolic pressure is 180+ mm Hg or diastolic is 100+ mm Hg. Most blood pressure meds don’t disqualify you.
11. High cholesterol means you can’t donate
Not true—neither high cholesterol nor cholesterol meds affect eligibility.
12. Vegetarians/vegans can’t donate
Another myth. Dr. Ferro said:
“They can donate if they meet health requirements. Some may have low iron, but we screen for anemia and defer those donors.”
13. Enough people already donate
Sadly, no. Dr. Raimo explained:
“Red blood cells last 42 days; platelets only 5 days. We constantly need fresh donations.”
Dr. Ferro added:
“There’s always a need. Fewer people qualify than you’d think—each donor is carefully screened. Demand never stops.”
Dr. Kenny emphasized:
“Only 3% of eligible Americans donate regularly. Some blood types are in critical shortage while others are stocked. Every type is needed.”