Blood Basics
One blood donation can help save more than one life.
Answer: FACT
Whole blood can be separated into components, such as red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, which can help different patients.
You must be at least 18 years old to donate blood.
Answer: MYTH
Younger people may be able to donate depending on their age and applicable eligibility/parental-consent requirements.
You should eat a healthy meal before donating blood.
Answer: FACT
Donating on an empty stomach isn't a good idea. Eating beforehand can help you feel better during and after donation.
Your body permanently loses the blood that you donate.
Answer: MYTH
Your body replaces the fluids lost from donation relatively quickly and gradually replaces the donated blood cells.
If you've gotten a tattoo, you can never donate blood again.
Answer: MYTH
Having a tattoo does not automatically disqualify you from donating. Eligibility can depend on how and where it was applied.
Drinking extra water before your appointment can help make donating easier.
Answer: FACT
Being well hydrated before donating is recommended.
The actual process of giving a whole-blood donation usually takes less than 15 minutes.
Answer: FACT
The entire appointment takes longer because of registration, screening, and recovery, but the actual donation itself is usually around 8–10 minutes.
Signing up for an appointment guarantees that you'll be able to donate.
Answer: MYTH
Every donor still completes a health history and screening before donating to make sure they're eligible that day.
After donating blood, it's a good idea to immediately do a strenuous workout.
Answer: MYTH
Donors should avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the rest of the day.