Blood Donation Myths

The Carter BloodCare team reviews myths about blood donation, shedding light on the truth of this lifesaving process, and encourages everyone to share these facts to support the mission to save lives by making transfusion possible.

Medically reviewed on July 1, 2025.

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.