Obligatory | The haemoglobin concentration should be estimated each time a potential donor presents.
1. All donors, except Double Red Cell Donors.
Must not donate if the haemoglobin concentration is less than:
a) Female donors: 125 g/l.
b) Male donors: 135 g/l.
2. Double Red Cell Donors.
Must not donate if the haemoglobin concentration is less than:
Male and Female donors: 140 g/l.
3. All Donors
Must not donate if the haemoglobin concentration is greater than:
a) Female donors: 165 g/l
b) Male donors: 180 g/l
If a donor is not accepted, the reason why must be explained to them and, if appropriate, advice given to see their own GP. |
Discretionary | a) Potential donors whose haemoglobin concentration is estimated to be below the acceptable level may be asked to give a venous sample of blood for further testing. If the venous haemoglobin concentration, tested by a validated method, is not less than the levels shown above, accept.
b) If the haemoglobin concentration for males is greater than 180 g/l and for females is greater than 165 g/l and Polycythaemia Rubra Vera has been excluded, accept. |
See if Relevant | Anaemia
Polycythaemia |
Additional Information | A 500 ml donation of whole blood contains about 250 mg of iron. It can take months for the average donor to replace this loss of iron from the diet. Taking a donation from a person with a haemoglobin concentration below the recommended value may make them anaemic.
Component donors giving double units of red cells lose twice as much iron and so it is even more important that they start with a good haemoglobin concentration. |
Information | Part of this entry is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005. |
Reason for change | Polycythaemia Rubra Vera has been added to "Discretionary" |
Donor Information | If you wish to obtain more information regarding a personal medical issue please contact your National Help Line.
Please do not contact this web site for personal medical queries, as we are not in a position to provide individual answers. |