- 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?
- How will I feel after I donate 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?
Where does my blood go?
Blood donated with Carter BloodCare goes to patients across North, Central and East Texas — our friends, family and neighbors — facing emergencies every day such as older adults with age-related health issues, mothers experiencing difficulties during childbirth, major accident and emergency patients, children with anemia, and many others who depend on an available community blood supply. We serve more than 200 medical facilities in 50+ counties with the blood product needed to keep people healthy and well.
In 2024, Carter BloodCare started an initiative where donors will receive a text when their donation is sent to be transfused to a patient in need, including the city of where the donation is headed to. Each blood donation can save up to three lives. This new program is meant to help inspire donors and help close the loop on the donation process.
How do I receive the text message?
To be included in this program, you need to be opted in to receive text messages from Carter BloodCare. To opt-in, text COUNTMEIN to 999-777 and you will be opted in to receive text messages from Carter BloodCare, including when your blood donation has been distributed to be transfused to a patient in need. Message and data rates may apply.