Can you donate blood if youre anemic

Blood donations can save lives — it's a fact. And between June 14's World Blood Donor Day and June 12's heartbreaking mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, talking about safely donating blood has never been so crucial. You might also be wondering if you can donate blood if you have anemia. Because it's the most common reason for refusal, it's important to know the details and guidelines.

First, let's talk about World Blood Donor Day. Established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004, this worldwide celebration was created to raise awareness on the importance of blood, honor volunteers, and promote safe donation practices. The WHO shares that 62 countries depend entirely on the blood donations of voluntary donors. Blood is exactly what keeps people alive, stressing the difference a single donation can make.

Yet, certain rules and precautions must be followed in order to safely donate blood. These are designed to protect both the donor and the person receiving blood. If the guidelines aren't met, a potential donor can be turned down.

Anemia can prevent someone from donating blood. This is indicated by a deficiency of red blood cells, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. It can also be characterized by red blood cells containing low amounts of hemoglobin, the iron-protein that's responsible for carrying oxygen. It's essential for delivering oxygen throughout your body, ensuring that each and every part functions properly.

Can you donate blood if youre anemic

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If you're anemic and donate blood, you could be placing yourself at risk. Losing blood — even a small amount — can take a toll on your body. Common symptoms of anemia are tiredness, weakness, and headaches. These can significantly worsen after donating blood.

So, can you donate? Technically, the answer is yes... if you meet the requirements. You must have the appropriate hemoglobin values, which can be determined by the American Red Cross using a hemoglobin test. For women, this is 12.5 g/dL. For men, this is 13.0 g/dL.

Can you donate blood if youre anemic

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Your primary care physician can also help you determine if you have hemoglobin values ideal for donating. If you do, don't forget to ask your doctor if there are specific ways you can prepare to donate safely.

And if you can't donate? Don't worry; this doesn't mean you can't give back to the community. Consider making a monetary donation to the American Red Cross — even a few bucks helps. You can also bring snacks, water, and juice to blood donors and staff members. Your efforts do matter, even if it's not in the form of blood.

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There are some basic requirements you need to fulfill in order to become a blood donor. You may become a donor if you:

  • are aged between 16 and 60 (Youths aged 16 and 17 will need to complete and bring a signed parental consent form)
  • weigh at least 45kg
  • are in good health
  • do not have any symptoms of infection (e.g. sore throat, cough, runny nose, diarrhoea) for at least one week
  • did not have fever in the last four weeks
  • have a haemoglobin level of at least 12.5g/dL for females, and at least 13.0g/dL for males. (A test will be administered by trained nurses at the donation site.)

You can boost your iron level with a well-balanced iron-rich diet. Click here for tips to boost your iron. Click here for more information about haemoglobin levels.

At the donation site, you will also be asked to complete a Donor Health Assessment Questionnaire. Depending on your answers, you may or may not be eligible to donate blood. Click here for a quick basic eligibility quiz to find out if you can donate blood!

Take Basic Eligibility Quiz

When Not To Donate

You are advised to postpone your blood donation if you’re currently undergoing treatment for a major illness or surgery, or (for women) if you’re pregnant or experiencing heavy menstrual flow.

UPDATE 

The bloodbank has implemented a new blood donation eligibility guideline for donors who received the COVID-19 vaccine. Please click here for more information or visit giveblood.sg for Covid-19 blood donation updates.

If you have travelled overseas recently, please call 6220 0183 or check HSA’s blood donation criteria for your eligibility.

Visit the Health Sciences Authority’s website to learn more about the different factors that could affect your next donation date.

Planning Your Next Donation

Whether it’s your first time donating blood or you’re a regular donor, take the following into consideration:

What happens if you donate blood while anemic?

Donating blood when your iron is low will cause your levels to drop even further, leaving you feeling tired and faint. It also affects your ability to generate new red blood cells and can cause a longer recovery time.

Can blood donation make you anemic?

Iron deficiency anemia is common in blood donors, especially in female donors of childbearing age. By prevalence, blood donation is equivalent to gastric ulcers or carcinoma as a cause of IDA.

Does donating blood deplete your iron?

How much iron do I lose when donating blood or platelets? Each time you donate blood, you lose between 220-250 mg of iron. If you donate a Power Red, you lose twice that amount, about 470 mg of iron. It may take up to 24-30 weeks for your body to replace the iron lost through a blood donation.

How can I increase my iron levels to donate blood?

Before you donate blood, consider increasing your intake of iron-rich foods..
Meats,likebeef, lamb, ham, pork, veal, and dried beef..
Poultry, such as chicken and turkey..
Fish and shellfish, like tuna, shrimp, clams, haddock, and mackerel..
Organs, such as liver..