In the U.S., over 13.2 million trusted blood donors give regularly. Worldwide, people donate more than 100 million units of blood each year.
Since blood can only be stored for a limited time, encouraging regular donations is crucial. As the World Health Organization (WHO) explains:
“Donating blood can save a life—or even multiple lives if your blood is separated into its components (red cells, platelets, and plasma), which can help patients with specific conditions.”
Medical News Today spoke with Dr. James F. Kenny, associate chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital, NY. He highlighted how vital donated blood is:
“Patients who experience major trauma, undergo surgery, receive chemotherapy, or have bone marrow diseases often need blood transfusions to survive. In the U.S., a blood transfusion happens every 2 seconds—that’s 21 million transfusions per year!”
Key Points:
1. Donating blood can make you sick
If you’re healthy before donating, you won’t become less healthy afterward. Doctors recommend resting for a day and drinking fluids, but your health isn’t at risk.
Your blood volume returns to normal within about 48 hours (mostly through plasma replenishment), and your body replaces lost red blood cells in 4–8 weeks.
Dr. Emanuel T. Ferro, Ph.D., a pathologist and blood bank director, told MNT:
“Blood donation is extremely safe. Most donors finish in under 15 minutes after a health check. Reactions are rare.”
That said, some people may feel tired or lightheaded afterward. Dr. John Raimo noted:
“These symptoms usually pass quickly. Drinking water and having a snack can help. You might also have slight soreness or a bruise.”
Dr. Kenny added that younger or lighter individuals may feel dizzy, but drinking fluids beforehand helps prevent it.
2. Older adults cannot give blood
Not true. In the U.S., anyone over 16 and weighing at least 110 lbs (50 kg) can donate.
Rules vary by country—for example, the UK allows donors aged 17–66, but past donors can continue until 70. Those over 70 can still 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) may 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, though the whole process (registration, health check, etc.) takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
5. You could get an infection from donating
Dr. Ferro clarified:
“We use sterile, single-use needles. Infections at the needle site are extremely rare—there’s no risk of catching a bloodborne infection.”
6. Blood transfusions can give you infections
While infections from transfusions can happen, they’re extremely rare due to rigorous screening.
Dr. Kenny explained:
“The chance of getting hepatitis C from a transfusion is about 1 in 100 million.”
7. Donating blood hurts
There’s a quick pinch when the needle goes in, but discomfort is minimal. Some soreness or bruising afterward is normal but fades quickly.
8. You can only donate once a year
False. You can donate every 56 days (about 8 weeks) once your blood cells replenish.
9. Tattoos or piercings disqualify you
Not necessarily. The American Red Cross says:
- Wait 3 months if the tattoo was done in an unregulated state.
- Piercings are fine if done with single-use equipment (otherwise, wait 3 months).
10. High blood pressure prevents donation
Only if your systolic BP is over 180 or diastolic over 100. Most blood pressure meds don’t disqualify you.
11. High cholesterol means you can’t donate
False—neither high cholesterol nor cholesterol meds affect eligibility.
12. Vegetarians/vegans can’t donate
They can, as long as they meet health requirements. Some may have low iron, but donors are screened for anemia beforehand.
13. Enough people already donate
Sadly, no. Blood has a short shelf life (42 days for red cells, 5 days for platelets), so supplies must be constantly replenished.
Dr. Raimo emphasized:
“We always need more donors.”
Dr. Ferro added:
“Only a small percentage of people qualify to donate, and demand is constant.”
Dr. Kenny noted:
“Just 3% of eligible donors give regularly, and certain blood types are often in short supply.”