Myth 1) Donating blood hurts a lot. FACT: it definitely hurts. But it hurts far less compared to getting a piercing and it only hurts for a little while.
Myth 2) I don't think the equipment used is clean. I may catch some sort of disease by donating blood. FACT: Equipment is sterilised properly and is disposed after. The nurses also use latex gloves when they handle open wounds or draw your blood. Therefore, every safety precaution is taken to ensure that the donor doesn't come in contact with any diseaases.
Myth 3) I don't have enough blood to donate. FACT: you are only donating one pint of blood, not an armful! Furthermore, your body replaces the amount taken in a short period of time. Don't worry!
Myth 4) I don't have time to donate. FACT: it only takes an hour or so for each donation. Imagine this for your one hour spent donating blood, you could save up to three lives!
Myth 5) There are always people who donate blood, so I don't ned to. FACT: if that were true, there wouldn't be a shortage of blood in hospitals.
Myth 6) They ask the most embarrasing and personal questions!. FACT: though their questions may be embarrassing and personal, it is of the utmost importance that they ask those questions. The authorities need to ensure that the blood supply is safe for their patients.
Myth 7) I'm too young to donate. FACT: As long as you're 18 and above, you're never too young!
Myth 8) Donating blood will deteriorate my health. FACT: Donating blood won't deteriorate your health! If anything, it works for your health.
Myth 9) We can only donate blood once a year. FACT: Blood donation can be done every three months.
Myth 10) I have a common blood type; so there is a lot of my type in the blood bank. I don't need to donate anymore. FACT: Though there are some blood types that are more common than others, regular donations are still needed. There are however, specific blood types that are needed more as they are rare.
Seventeen Oct 2008
