14/01/2026
New year, same myths — let’s clear them up.
I donated blood for free, so I can also get blood for free.”
Wait— is that even true?
While blood itself is donated voluntarily, it must go through multiple safety and handling steps before it can be used. Every donated unit is tested for infectious diseases, carefully typed and matched, processed into components, stored under strict temperature controls, and transported to hospitals when needed.
In addition, trained medical staff, specialized equipment, quality control systems, and hospital transfusion services are all involved in safely giving blood to a patient. These steps are essential to protect patients, but they come with real operational costs.
Because of this, hospitals may charge patients for blood transfusion services, even though no one is paid for the blood itself.
Blood is donated freely, but safe transfusion requires resources.
References:
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Blood Safety & Availability
• American Red Cross – Why Blood Transfusions Cost Money
• National Health Service (NHS) – Blood donation and transfusion services
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Blood safety and screening
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