What iron level do you need to donate blood?

What iron level do you need to donate blood?

To help ensure that it is safe for you to donate, females must have a minimum hemoglobin level of 12.5g/dL and males must have a minimum level of 13.0g/dL. A donor’s hemoglobin level cannot be higher than 20.0g/dL to donate. How can I increase my iron level?

Can I take an iron supplement before donating blood?

It is recommended that donors take an over-the-counter multivitamin with iron or iron supplement with 18 mg or 27 mg iron (1 tablet a day for 60 days) before their next blood donation. You should discuss blood donation and any supplements that you take with your healthcare provider.

Where can I donate blood if I have hemochromatosis?

If you have hemochromatosis and you can donate at a community blood center, donating blood may not only save your life, it might save someone else’s life, too! Virtually anywhere, anytime, the world needs more blood donation.

Does donating blood get rid of iron?

Donating blood and platelets removes iron from your body. Iron is an essential mineral that is a part of hemoglobin which helps maintain your strength and energy. Your body needs iron to make new blood cells, replacing the ones lost through blood donations.

How long does it take to get your iron levels up?

Most people start to feel better within a few days of beginning treatment. Even though you feel better, you will need to keep taking the pills for several months to build up your iron stores. Sometimes it takes up to 6 months of treatment with iron supplements before iron levels return to normal.

How often can you donate blood if you have hemochromatosis?

If patients with hemochromatosis meet eligibility criteria, they can donate through Canadian Blood Services every 56 days (for men) or 84 days (for women). Dr. Zeller notes that donating blood can be very helpful for her hemochromatosis patients.

Can you donate blood if you have too much iron in your blood?

If you have a high iron level which isn’t caused by haemochromatosis, you may be able to donate blood. You’ll first need a referral from your doctor, which they must generate using our High Ferritin App, confirming that your high iron has been investigated and that any significant underlying cause has been addressed.