Is Blood Blue? Doctor Debunks Common Misconception With Stunning Visuals

Is Blood Really Blue? A Doctor Explains the Common Misconception In a recent TikTok video, Dr. Rubin, MD, a pediatrician and allergist, tackles a common misconception about the color of blood. Many people believe that blood is blue inside the body, turning red only upon exposure to air. Dr. Rubin debunks this myth, explaining that the blue appearance of veins is an optical illusion caused by the way light interacts with our skin. "As a child, I was confused by diagrams showing blue veins," Dr. Rubin explains in the video. "But it's more of a naming convention to make it easier to understand." He further clarifies that the presence of hemoglobin, an iron-containing molecule, gives blood its red color. The level of oxygenation affects the shade of red, with oxygenated blood appearing brighter. To further illustrate his point, Dr. Rubin shows an ECMO machine, which pumps blood outside of the body. The tubes clearly show a difference in shade between oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood, both shades of red. Dr. Rubin's engaging explanation and use of visual aids make this a valuable resource for dispelling this long-held misconception. The video's popularity underscores the public's interest in accurate health information.