Does donating blood deplete one’s vital energy (qi)?-瞭望新时代网-瞭望时代，放眼世界

Does donating blood deplete one’s vital energy (qi)?

2026-06-29

Does donating blood deplete vital energy and harm health? Are the risks greater for women? Why is donated red blood separated into different components when patients receive transfusions? On the occasion of the 2026 World Blood Donor Day, Wang Yong, chief physician at Beijing Red Cross Blood Center, provided detailed answers to these questions during a routine press conference organized by the National Health Commission." Wang Yong stated that strict health assessments are conducted before blood donation. China has established the national standard Requirements for Health Examination of Blood Donors. Before donation, staff conduct health inquiries, physical examinations, and blood tests to evaluate potential donors’ health status, including lifestyle history, travel history, and risk factors that may disqualify them. Key indicators such as age, body temperature, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and general health are checked to rule out conditions like anemia. Only those who meet donation criteria and pass the assessment are eligible to donate. The blood donation volume is scientifically calculated. China sets the collection range at 200–400 milliliters per session. Human blood volume accounts for 7%–8% of body weight: a 50-kilogram adult has a total blood volume of 3,500–4,000 milliliters. Donating 200–400 milliliters represents 5%–10% of total blood volume, which falls within the body’s safe regulatory range. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that donating no more than 13% of total blood volume poses no adverse effects on healthy adults. Addressing concerns that blood donation depletes vital energy or poses greater risks to women, Wang Yong clarified that these claims are inaccurate. Women need not worry excessively: for healthy adults meeting donation criteria, scientific blood donation does not compromise physical health. Clinical research and practice confirm that blood donation does not cause depletion of vital energy or weakened immunity. The human body possesses robust compensatory mechanisms and blood-regenerating capabilities. Normally, 80% of blood circulates in blood vessels, while 20% is stored in vital organs like the liver and spleen. After donation, these organs release stored blood, restoring blood volume within a short time. Meanwhile, bone marrow accelerates new blood cell production, with red blood cells and hemoglobin levels returning to pre-donation baselines. "Blood donation cannot be equated with blood loss." Wang Yong emphasized that donation occurs under strict health assessments and is performed by trained professionals, making it safe and controllable. In contrast, blood loss typically results from trauma or illness, often accompanied by tissue damage, infection, or other health complications, as well as psychological stress from the incident. The two scenarios cannot be directly compared. "Female donors need not overconcern themselves. Although women lose iron during menstruation, as long as they pass pre-donation health assessments, avoid donating during their period, and maintain a balanced diet, there are no additional health risks," Wang Yong said. The red blood collected during donation is called “whole blood”, containing red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Wang Yong explained the journey from donation to transfusion: after a donor gives blood, the sample undergoes rigorous testing, component separation, storage, and distribution. "Blood testing" involves strict screening of every unit to confirm blood type accuracy and ensure all indicators—including transaminase levels and markers for hepatitis B/C, HIV, syphilis, and other infectious diseases—meet safety standards. (Source: Liaowang New Era)

Edit：WENWEN Responsible editor：LINXUAN

Source：Workers Daily

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