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Haemochromatosis Donor Criteria

Many people with Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH) can give blood in Ireland. 

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can help save lives by donating blood instead of discarding it. You will be able to attend your local blood donation clinics which may be closer and more convenient, and doing so will free up resources for other health services.

HH donors must ensure they have an annual ferritin check with their GP/Consultant, with same not to exceed 300 ng/ml (female) and 400 ng/ml (male)

 

Eligibility criteria for donors with HH:

  • Donors must meet all other normal blood donation criteria
  • Must have completed iron depletion therapy with their GP/Consultant, and be in the maintenance phase (defined by IBTS for donation purposes as requiring no more than 8 venesections per year)
  • Must have had at least 1 therapeutic venesection without complication
  • Must not suffer from serious complications as a result of HH such as liver cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
  • First time HH blood donors must be aged 69 and under. We currently cannot accept any first time HH donors aged 70 or above, even if they have had previous venesections outside of the IBTS.
  • Regular HH blood donors can be accepted over 70 and up to 79 once they meet the whole blood eligibility criteria and have a GP fitness to donate letter.
  • Individuals with HH who don’t and have never required venesection, can give blood
  • Minimum 90 days elapsed between venesections and must not have had any venesections in 2 weeks prior to an IBTS clinic

These patients/donors do not require a prescription to attend their local blood donation clinic (excluding weekly Stillorgan Friday therapeutic clinic).

 

The IBTS provides a safe blood supply to Irish hospitals while prioritizing patient safety and donor wellbeing. Eligible HH patients can donate blood every 90 days, up to four times a year. Your blood will contribute to the national supply unless you're temporarily ineligible due to reasons like travel deferrals, in which case it won't be available for national use.

If you feel unwell when you attend a clinic, you will not be venesected. If you're permanently ineligible, you unfortunately cannot attend donation clinics.

 

Important information about your on-going care as a HH patient

The IBTS collects blood from volunteer donors for the benefit of hospital patients. All donors remain under the care of their doctor for monitoring of any medical conditions including Haemochromatosis.

The IBTS does not monitor donor ferritin levels. HH donors must have an annual ferritin check with their consultant/doctor, and not exceed 300 ng/ml for female, 400 ng/ml for male.

All donors receive a ‘thank you for attending’ text message post clinic so you will have a record of when you have attended an IBTS clinics.

 

What do I need to do next?

  1. Check if you meet the HH maintenance eligibility criteria above

  2. Check if you meet current blood donation eligibility criteria 

  3. If eligible, find your local clinic and call 1800 731 137 to book your appointment 

Thank you for considering becoming a blood donor, and please do not hesitate to contact us at giveblood.ie or phone 1800 731 137 if you have any queries.