- Myth: I can’t donate if I have tattoos.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I got a piercing recently.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve just been to the dentist.
- Myth: Blood can be manufactured.
- Myth: Blood donation is painful.
- Myth: Blood is only needed in times of emergency.
- Myth: Donating blood causes my body to start over producing blood cells.
- Myth: Donating blood makes you gain weight.
- Myth: Donating blood takes a long time.
- Myth: Donating blood will impact my ability to do my daily activities.
- Myth: Giving blood will harm me by taking away red cells or platelets that my body needs to function.
- Myth: I can catch an infectious disease by donating blood.
- Myth: I have a common blood type, so you don’t need my blood.
- Myth: Donating blood can harm my immune system.
- Myth: Other people are already giving enough blood.
- Myth: Vegetarians or vegans cannot donate blood.
- Myth: I cannot donate blood because I have diabetes.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve had low hemoglobin (iron) levels in the past.
- Myth: I must make an appointment to donate blood.
- Myth: I should fast before I donate.
- Myth: I can’t donate blood when I’m on my menstrual cycle.
- Myth: Sometimes, needles and other materials are reused.
- Myth: I can’t donate blood because phlebotomists won’t be able to find my veins.
- Who can give blood?
- Where does my blood go?
- Which patients use what blood components?
- What types of photo ID are accepted?
- What tests are performed on blood?
- What happens when somebody tests positive for an infectious disease marker?
- What can I eat to raise my hemoglobin levels?
- Is it safe to receive blood transfusions?
- I don’t have sickle cell anemia, but I carry the trait. Can I still donate blood?
- What to expect after donating blood?
- How often can I donate blood?
- How much blood is taken?
- How long does it take?
- Can I donate blood for myself?
- When was Carter BloodCare founded?
- Can people with high blood pressure donate blood?
- Can people who have tested positive for HIV or AIDS donate blood?
- Can gay or bi-sexual men donate blood?
- What is Apheresis?
- How long can blood be stored?
- Are children allowed to accompany a donor to the donation location? Can I bring children with me when I donate?
- Can I donate if I have a physical disability and may need assistance?
Exposure Risk
Certain activities or exposures that involve contact with another person’s blood or body fluids can increase the risk of HIV and/or hepatitis B and C.
Medically reviewed on March 19, 2026.
Eligible to donate after 3-month deferral for:
- Accidental needle stick with needle used by or on another person
- Exposure to another person’s blood through contact with an open wound or mucous membranes
- Tattoo at an unregulated facility
- Ear or body piercing at an unregulated facility
- Syphilis or gonorrhea infection, or treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea
- Sexual partner with HIV/AIDS or HIV risk
- Sexual partner who receives money or drugs in exchange for sex
- You have received money, drugs or other items in exchange for sex
- Use of needles to inject a drug or steroids not prescribed by a physician
- Receiving a blood transfusion
- Sexual partner with hepatitis B or C
Eligible to donate after 12-month deferral for:
- Incarceration in jail, prison, juvenile detention center, or lock-up for more than 72 hours
If your condition is not listed, or if you have questions regarding your eligibility to donate blood based on your specific diagnosis, contact Donor Notification at 817-412-5603 or DN@carterbloodcare.org.