Today is World Blood Donor Day. If you've never donated blood before, Active! provides answers to five of the most FAQs about blood donation, so that you too can become a life-saver

According to statistics, if even 1% of a country's population donates blood, it would be sufficient to meet the basic requirements for blood transfusions. However, donation rates are said to be less than 1% of the population in 77 countries. This can be due to a lack of awareness or myths concerning safety.

Donating blood is a safe process. A sterile needle is used for each donor and then discarded. Typically, blood donation is a four-step process: registration, medical history and mini-physical, donation, followed by refreshments. The actual process takes less than 10 to 12 minutes. The average adult has about 10 units of blood and roughly one unit is given during a donation.



Q: Is donating blood safe?
Ans: Yes. Disposable needles and bags are used to collect blood and discarded after use, hence preventing any spread of infection to donor or recipient.