June 14 is World Blood Donor Day. Those who are in need of blood - a lot. Therefore, the constant updating of this important biological material is crucial. But unfortunately, due to the mass of errors, not every potential candidate for donation ready for this honorable mission.
Editorial Kolobok.ua collected 7 major myths debunked that can objectively assess the benefits and harms of donation, and the possibility of contracting any infection at the time of sampling.
Blood donation is harmful to the donor. Perhaps it is - the main myth that stops many potential donors. In fact, small blood loss for a man - is absolutely safe and even beneficial, because due regenerative mechanisms are actively stimulated whole blood-forming system, and activation of metabolic processes.
Complex process of preparing to the blood sampling. In fact, no special training is required. There are some simple nuances that should be taken into account. For example, the day before the procedure is desired to refrain from fatty, smoked, spicy foods, and fried. Also, do not eat on the eve of eggs, dairy products and alcohol. You can not smoke two hours prior to collection. With regard to medicines, 72 hours should not take aspirin and analgin, and after taking antibiotics to blood donation a person can begin in two weeks.
Donating blood is needed on an empty stomach. Totally a misconception. The donor before the procedure is just very important hearty breakfast and drink sweet tea.
DONORS can infect a variety of infections, including AIDS and hepatitis. The most repulsive myth. In fact, at blood transfusion stations, doctors always use disposable instruments, which opens at the patient.
Do donors take too much blood. There is a standard volume of which can safely pick up a person - a maximum of 450 ml, plus 40 ml for tests before the procedure. Persons who weigh less than 50 kg, the blood takes a little less - about 300 ml, but these patients are rarely allowed to donate blood.
DONATION - it's painful and long. Absolute nonsense. This procedure is no more painful than a regular analysis of the blood from the veins, and the time of blood sampling usually takes no more than 15 minutes. If it is necessary to donate blood (plasma and platelets) may take about 30 minutes.
FREQUENT DONATION whirl. Part of that judgment - though, in part - a myth. Long-term studies show: the donation is not only beneficial to man, but also is the prevention of many diseases. No wonder the ancient doctors used bloodletting as a means to stimulate the body's defenses. But too frequent blood donation does not really helpful. The ideal frequency for Men - 5 times a year for women - four. When it comes to plasma delivery, the procedure can be repeated in two weeks.
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