Donating blood is an act of love and, most importantly, it can save lives. Although many people already have this habit and there are several public actions to encourage the practice, it is a fact that the number of donors could be higher: many people are afraid to donate and, mainly, several doubts about the subject.
A survey conducted by ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency), aimed at highlighting the profile of donors and non-donors in Brazil, showed that of the total respondents, 405 people answered that donating blood is a good act, of love / solidarity / humanity (23.81%). However, 739 respondents said that the reason people don't donate blood is fear (36.15%). When asked about receiving something after giving, out of 543 respondents who said they received something, 161 responded that satisfaction with helping is the biggest reward (28.20%).
The Pro-Blood Foundation (Hemocentro de São Paulo) points out that blood and blood product transfusions help save millions of lives each year, increase the hope and quality of life of patients with life-threatening conditions, and support procedures. complex medical and surgical They also play a key role in maternal and child care and in the care of victims of natural disasters and man-made disasters.
For Renato Romano, coordinator of the Nursing Course at Newton Paiva University Center, Belo Horizonte, the donation of blood is, before any definition, an act of solidarity with others (known or unknown). We have several public actions that encourage blood donation as well as the benefits generated through donations. There are still many people who are intimidated to donate, either for reasons related to religion, myths, taboos (especially after the advent of HIV and AIDS in the 1980s), or for lack of information about the process ?, he says.
"I also believe that a broader awareness of the donation process (both the benefits and the importance) directly linked to teaching is needed, starting from the early grades, introducing the essence of the process even in children," says Romano.
Several people, in fact, confess to having doubts about blood donation. Worst of all, they are often fooled by true myths created around the subject. Some believe, for example, that donating blood risks getting HIV; who doesn't have a good blood to donate, among other negative ideas.
Below you give the clarification for 25 myths about blood donation.
1. MYTH: Donating blood hurts
Araci explains that blood is collected for donation by puncture of a vein in the arm.
Feeling pain is a relative thing, and for some people donating blood can cause some "nuisance", but it is not at all exaggerated, nothing much different from taking blood for tests.
2. MYTH: A person may get HIV during blood donation.
"All material used for blood collection is sterile and disposable," says Araci.
3. MYTH: There is a limited amount of blood in the body and by donating the person will be low on blood.
• The volume withdrawn is quickly replenished with fluid intake on the day of donation. The recovery of blood components is slower, which is why a minimum interval between donations of 60 days for men and 90 days for women is recommended, explains hematologist Araci.
4. MYTH: Donating blood is bad because it always lowers blood pressure.
This is not a rule and should not be a cause for concern. "The blood donation is done in order to preserve the donor's well-being, but occasionally there may be pressure drop, usually mild in nature and easily reversed," says Araci.
5. MYTH: Woman on Pill Cannot Donate Blood
Araci points out that this is a myth and that contraceptive use does not prevent blood donation.
6. MYTH: During the menstrual period a woman cannot donate.
Romana points out that women can donate even in the menstrual period, "as long as they don't have proven anemia on the pre-donation test."
7. MYTH: Vegetarians Cannot Donate Blood
This is not a rule, the point is that one of the tests recommended by current legislation checks the hemoglobin level (anemia test) before donation.People who do not eat red meat regularly may have hemoglobin level below the recommended for blood donation? Explains Araci Sakashita, hematologist at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.
8. MYTH: Seniors Cannot Donate Blood
Renato Romano points out that elderly people up to 69 years old can donate, "as long as they first donated blood before age 60".
9. MYTH: Children under 18 cannot donate blood at all.
"Children under 18, as long as they are 16 or 17 years old are eligible, but it is necessary to have prior authorization from legal guardians," says Romano.
10. MYTH: Anyone who has had a plastic surgery can no longer donate blood.
"Blood donation is allowed three to six months after surgery, depending on the type of surgery and anesthesia," explains Araci.
11. MYTH: Some Bloods Are Not Good For Donation
Araci points out that donation of any blood type is always welcome.
12. MYTH: People who drink alcohol (socially) can never donate blood.
? Current legislation states that blood donation is allowed 12 hours after social consumption of alcoholic beverages ?, clarifies Araci.
13. MYTH: Everyone gets sick after donating blood.
Many people feel absolutely no hassle in donating blood. The blood collection process is designed to ensure and preserve the donor's well-being. However, even with all preventive measures, malaise may occur during or after donation. Frequent observation of the donor allows early detection and improvement of any adverse effects associated with the donation ?, highlights the hematologist.
14. MYTH: Donation material is unsafe
Araci points out that all material used to collect donated blood is sterile and disposable. As such, it does not pose any health risks to the donor.
15. MYTH: The person who donates blood once is obligated to donate again.
This is yet another myth, according to Araci. "Donating blood once doesn't make a new donation mandatory," he says.
The person is free to donate when he or she can (as long as the minimum interval between donations of 60 days for men and 90 days for women is respected).
16. MYTH: You Must Be Fasting to Donate
"Blood donation should not be done fasting and it is recommended 3 hours after a rich and fat meal," says Araci.
"We remind you that the blood donor is submitted to an extensive questionnaire and other conditions that prevent donation can be detected at the time of the interview," adds the hematologist.
17. MYTH: Any medication prevents a person from donating blood.
The truth is that taking medications is not an automatic deterrent. Some are perfectly acceptable. Others do not.
• The use of some medications does not allow blood donation, temporarily or permanently. If any medication is used, prior contact with the blood bank is recommended to make sure that blood donation is possible ?, explains Araci.
18. MYTH: A diabetic person can never donate blood.
Type II diabetics (without insulin dependence) are eligible to donate blood. "Blood donation is not recommended, according to current legislation, if the person with diabetes uses insulin," says Araci.
19. MYTH: Those with an active sex life cannot donate blood.
"Only risky sexual behavior contraindicates donation, temporarily," says Romano.
20. MYTH: Dieters Cannot Donate Blood
"As long as the person is not taking any medication, or meets the minimum weight (50kg), there is no contraindication," explains Romano.
21. MYTH: Blood donation is not allowed during breastfeeding.
Roman explains that a period of 12 months after delivery is requested. "From then on, the woman can donate blood normally," he says.
MYTH: A person cannot have sex after (same day) donation of blood.
Roman points out that there is no contraindication in this regard. The important thing is to respect the rest interval and avoid intense physical activities.
23. MYTH: People with permanent piercings, tattoos, or makeup can never donate blood again.
Roman explains that 12 months after these procedures people can donate blood normally.
24. MYTH: Does the person who donates blood earn nothing in return?
Roman clarifies that the blood donor is entitled to one day off at work with each donation made.
In addition, it is worth noting: It is very gratifying to know that you are helping others through an action that is apparently so simple to you but so important.
The Pro-Blood Foundation points out, however, that in Brazil, blood donation cannot be paid under any circumstances.According to the legislation governing hemotherapy procedures in our territory, such gesture should be without any benefit.
25. MYTH: Donating Blood Lose Weight
There is no relationship between weight loss or gain. Does organic compensation happen after the act of blood donation ?, explains Romano.
Common Blood Donation Questions
Below, the professionals clarify other questions about blood donation:
1. Can gay men donate blood?
Araci explains that current legislation states that a donor candidate is considered unfit for 12 months when exposed to increased risk of exposure to blood-borne infectious agents, such as:? renal replacement therapy and patients with a history of transfusion of blood components or derivatives; an individual who has had sex with one or more occasional or unknown partners or their respective sexual partners; men who have had sex with other men and / or their sexual partners; an individual who has had sexual intercourse with a person infected with HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C or another sexually transmitted infection? (Ministry of Health. Ordinance No. 2.712, NOVEMBER 12, 2013)
2. Can a person play sports after blood donation?
"The recommendation is not to exercise on donation day to minimize the chance of any discomfort during exercise," says hematologist Araci.
3. Is a donated blood test performed?
Several tests are conducted for research on diseases transmissible through donated blood, according to Romano. "A pre-donation screening is also performed, which may temporarily or permanently contraindicate donation," he adds.
4. What care should the person take after giving?
Basically, it is recommended to rest and avoid intense physical activity, as well as carry heavy weights or operate heavy machinery. Does the donor live up to the working day allowance when he or she undergoes blood donation to ensure these recommendations ?, explains Romano.
5. Does hypoglycemia prevent donation?
• Prior to donation, after screening, blood glucose is also dosed (test that identifies the amount of glucose in the blood). In case of hypoglycemia, the donation will be relocated to another day ?, explains Romano.
6. Why can't people under 50 kg donate blood?
For every donation, about 450 ml of blood is donated, which corresponds to 10% of the total body blood volume of the donor. Individuals weighing less than 50kg may have some cardiovascular and hematopoietic system impairment (responsible for the manufacture and maturation of blood cells) ?, highlights the Roman coordinator.
7. Can pregnant women donate blood?
"Donation is not recommended during pregnancy, including 90 days after normal delivery and 180 days after cesarean delivery," says Romano.
8. Who can treat acne can donate blood?
The treatment for acne is very specific. "There are treatments in which gels and topical solutions are used, and other treatments in which medicines are used, which in themselves do not contraindicate, but the doctor responsible for treatment and screening should be informed," says Romano.
9. Who is taking weight loss medicine can donate blood?
? It should be evaluated by the doctor responsible for the screening: which drug the donor has been using and for how long ?, explains Romano.
10. Who has the flu can donate blood?
No. "You should wait seven days after the flu symptoms disappear," the coordinator advises.
11. Who has recurrent urine infection can donate blood?
"Before discovering the cause of the infection and proper treatment, donation is not recommended," says Romano.
12. Who CANNOT donate blood?
People who have had hepatitis (there is a possibility depending on the time of infection and the type of hepatitis); presence of one or more blood-borne infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C, AIDS (HIV virus), diseases associated with HTLV I and II virus and Chagas disease ?, concludes the Roman coordinator.
The basic requirements for donating blood are:
- Be in good health;
- Be between 16 and 69 years old; weigh at least 50kg;
- Rest (have slept at least 6 hours in the last 24 hours);
- Being fed (having avoided fat eating within 4 hours prior to donation);
- Present original document with photo issued by official body (Identity Card, Liberal Professional Identity Card, Work Card and Social Security).
Now you have probably clarified your main questions around the subject.Remember: giving is an actor of love, of solidarity. If you can, donate!
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