What’s Blood Donation Actually Like? – All The Myths on Donating, Busted

What does it take to be a Lifeblood Champion? 

The article is presented in partnership with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. 

If you’ve never donated blood, you might be curious and unsure on what it’s actually like. 

We’re here to bust some myths and share what really goes down at a Lifeblood Donor Centre. 

Why should I donate blood?

1 in 3 people will need blood in their lifetime. One blood donation is needed every 18 seconds – a single donation can save up to three lives! 

Your blood can help those with cancer, surgeries, diseases, anaemia and more. 

Image: Lifeblood.

Am I eligible to donate blood?

There’s lots of misconceptions floating around who can and can’t donate blood, so we’re here to set the record straight and give you the answers to some popular blood donation myths. 

MYTH: ‘I’m vegan, so I can’t donate blood'.

You may be able to donate if you feel healthy and well - even if you are vegan! Also, did you know Lifeblood have vegan friendly snacks in the donor centre? 

MYTH: ‘I’ve been travelling so I can’t donate blood’.

Enjoyed a trip to Europe recently? Or maybe you headed to New Zealand to explore the set of The Lord of the Rings. Did you know you can donate immediately after visiting some countries? Check your recent travel on Lifeblood’s travel page.

MYTH: ‘I have tattoos so I can’t donate blood’.

Did you know you can make a plasma immediately after getting a tattoo? Plasma is the cool yellow component of your blood used to treat conditions like auto immune diseases. If you want to donate blood, you will need to wait 4 months from after getting your tattoo. 

MYTH: ‘I won’t get anything out of donating’.

Not true! There are so many things (some tasty!) you can get out of donating blood. 

Snacks… Need I say more? Oh don’t forget the milkshakes! All this and more after your donation (yum). 

Need ‘volunteer’ experience for a good-looking resume? Putting your blood donation on your resume shows you like to give back to the community.  

Or maybe you are a Lifeblood Champion who can lead your Lifeblood Team during the Tertiary Blood Drive. This will give you the ultimate bragging rights on your leadership skills on your resume.  

But most importantly, by donating blood you are saving lives and making a difference to those patients in need. 

@studentedge We’re busting myths about donating with @Australian Red Cross Lifeblood #lifebloodau #studentedge #mythbusters ♬ Stylish Jazz HipHop - Future Oriented Triad

You can find out more about eligibility here. 

To become a Lifeblood Champion and be a student leader for your university in the Tertiary Blood Challenge (1 March – 31 May) visit Lifeblood.com.au/donate-as-group and search for your university Lifeblood Team.