Myth 1) My religion doesn't approve of donation Mainstream religions see donation as a form of charity. Myth 2) I could be infected whilst giving blood There is a clear procedure for taking blood from each donor - sterile equipment is always used which limits the chance of infection. Myth 3) My health will deteriorate after giving blood Provided that you're healthy prior to giving blood, this will not be the case. Its recommended you take few hours after donation to rest. Myth 4) It takes too much time | "470ml of blood is taken at one session, which is just less than a pint. Not the armful which is commonly believed. " | |
It will normally only take an hour or so of your time for a single donation session. Myth 5) Too much of my blood will be taken 470ml of blood is taken at one session, which is just less than a pint. Not the armful which is commonly believed. Your body replaces this in a very short period of time. Myth 6) I am mixed race and don't know if my blood will still be helpful This has no bearing on your eligibility to donate or the nature of your blood. Whatever blood type you are, your blood could save the life of someone else in the same group. Myth 7) I am too old to donate blood Anyone up to the age of 60 who is fit and healthy can give blood Myth 8) I am taking medication which means I can't donate Depending on what medication you're on, it may halt donation for a period, though in many cases it won't prevent you from donating at all. It's always a good idea to inform nursing staff of this before attending a donation session. Myth 9) Blood taken is used for scientific research, and not just for patients A limited amount of blood is used for research and not just for transfusions, but donors are never identified and all this is made clear in writing before you donate. Myth 10) I can't donate my blood because I'm a vegetarian which means my blood doesn't have enough iron in it There's no problem with vegetarians giving blood, the iron needed is taken from stores in the body, and are replaced after donation provided you have a balanced diet. This normally takes a month or so. | 
