Haemochromatosis and blood donation
Some people with genetic haemochromatosis, a condition that causes iron to build up in the body, may be able to donate blood as part of their treatment.
Genetic haemochromatosis (where both faulty genes are inherited) is one of the most common genetic conditions, affecting around 1 in 150 people in England and Wales.
Some people carry only one faulty gene (known as carriers). Carriers do not usually develop the condition and can donate at the usual frequency of every 12 to 16 weeks.
If haemochromatosis is not treated, the excess iron can affect organs such as the heart and liver, and may also affect the joints.
How haemochromatosis is treated
The main treatment for hemochromatosis is removing blood regularly, known as venesection.
Treatment is guided by your ferritin level, which is a blood test showing how much iron is stored in your body. Your specialist team reviews your results and decides which phase of treatment you need.
These are in two main phases:
- Initial phase – this is when ferritin levels are very high, patients may need blood taking regularly in a clinical setting
- Ongoing (maintenance) phase – when ferritin levels have lowered and treatment becomes less frequent
Can I donate blood if I have genetic haemochromatosis?
You can donate blood with genetic haemochromatosis if you:
- have a ferritin level within or close to the normal range (your GP or specialist team can confirm this)
- have your ferritin monitored regularly by your GP or specialist team
- are generally fit and well
- have no organ damage caused by haemochromatosis
- meet all of our other criteria for donating
If your ferritin level is already within or close to the normal range at diagnosis, your specialist may advise that you do not need initial venesection in hospital and that you can be referred directly to the blood donation service.
Why give blood
For some people, donating blood can be a suitable alternative to hospital venesection and your donation can help save and improve the lives of patients who need blood.
People with haemochromatosis may be advised to donate more frequently than regular whole blood donors, sometimes as often as every 6 weeks if their specialist recommends it. We can support this where appropriate, including offering the ability to book appointments in advance.
People with haemochromatosis are important members of our blood donor community and we are grateful for the lifesaving gift of blood that people with the condition donate on a regular basis.
Sign up to donate blood
If you meet the criteria above, please call our team on 0300 123 23 23 and we will be able to take you through the process and discuss whether blood donation is right for you.
We suggest that you contact us once you have been told that donating every 6 weeks or more will be suitable for you.
Important information
Please remember, this is just a donation service. Ferritin monitoring and advice on the frequency of donation would still be carried out by your own doctor.