Myths and Reality About Blood Donation

  • Myth #1:
    • Someone else will donate all the blood that's needed.
  • Reality #1:
    • If only it were true. Although approximately 60% of the US population qualifies to donate blood, less than 5% of Americans actually do so. And the blood shortage in Central Virginia has gone on for almost three years now!
  • Myth #2:
    • It hurts.
  • Reality #2:
    • Okay, maybe it does---a little. Far less than getting ears pierced, though, and only briefly. And remember that donating blood hurts a lot less than having someone you care about need blood and not get it because it's not there.
  • Myth #3:
    • I don't have time.
  • Reality #3:
    • It doesn't take long: about 45 minutes in all from arrival to departure. And UVA, like most other large employers, allows employees to donate on company time. UVA Health System administration understands the importance of supporting the blood supply on which our patients depend, and encourages employees to take advantage of this. Ask your supervisor if you can take time from your workday to donate. If it's not convenient during a drive, make an appointment at our donor center (243-2999) to donate on some other day.
  • Myth #4:
    • They ask embarrassing questions.
  • Reality #4:
    • Okay, some of the questions are personal, but they have to be. The screening personnel are very professional and are not judgmental. Their only goal is to ensure a safe blood supply for our patients and a safe donation experience for our donors.
  • Myth #5:
    • I might catch something from donating.
  • Reality #5:
    • In the United States, donations are drawn using sterile equipment that is disposed of after a single use, and the professionals who draw your blood wear sterile latex gloves that are disposed of immediately after use on a single patient. At no time will you come in contact with any piece of equipment or material that has had contact with someone else's blood or body fluids.
  • Myth #6:
    • I take medication, so I can't donate.
  • Reality #6:
    • Maybe you're right. Maybe you're not. Call our donor center (243-2999) or our blood supplier (977-8956) and ask!
  • Myth #7:
    • I'm too old.
    • I'm too young.
  • Reality #7:
    • There is no longer an upper age limit for donation. So long as you are healthy and weigh at least 110 pounds, you can continue to donate as a lifelong contribution to your community.
    • Maybe you are too young---if you're under 17. But once you turn 17, if you're healthy and weigh at least 110 pounds, you can make a real grown-up contribution to your community.