Question 1

i have hemochromatosis - can i donate blood?

Accepted Answer

No: Unfortunately, the red cross does not allow this blood to be donated even though there is nothing wrong with the blood. However, certain bacteria thrive on iron and that may be the red cross's rational.

Question 2

can someone with genetic hemochromatosis donate blood?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you're not symptomatic, there's no reason even to tell them, and in fact it's a great way to keep your body iron burden down. In fact, it's how i manage my one-dose hemochromatosis while helping others.

Question 3

edited. are there any supplements or foods that help with hemochromatosis and lowering iron levels. is regular blood donation the best way to tackle it?

Accepted Answer

: Your condition requires supervision and treatment from a Hematologist. Supplements are in general not helpful in your condition- even if any claim to be

Question 4

is an ast 118 and alt 213 extremely dangerous high?  i have hereditary hemochromatosis and i know i drink too much.  i donate blood at least 4 times a year to help. is it so high that it wont come down from abstinence of alcohol?how bad r the result?

Accepted Answer

Must stop alcohol: If you have hemochromatosis it is essential that you abstain from alcohol, particularly if you have advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Alcohol can raise the transaminase levels (AST, ALT). It is important to know what your baseline levels are off of alcohol. If they are much lower then the chance of the numbers coming down will be likely off of alcohol.

Question 5

i have been diagnosed with hereditary haemachromatosis. my transferrin saturation level is at 106% and my ferritin level is at 230ng/ml. do i need to have a venesection done? i am on chronic meds so i can't donate blood.

Accepted Answer

Phlebotomy: Hello, I have had patients in a similar situation as yours that have hemochromatosis but can't donate blood due to medications they are taking.  In these cases I send them to an oncologist's office, and he draws the blood (therapeutic phlebotomy), taking out a unit of blood every few months until the ferritin levels are at a safe level. Unfortunately, since it is not a "donation" there is a fee.

Question 6

every time my son donates blood they tell him his iron is too high . this time it was 51.  my uncle has hemochromatosis , should i be concerned .

Accepted Answer

YES: Son must be screen and evaluated, preferably by a hematologist.

Question 7

hemochromatosis! i'm getting a blood test! can you tell me about it?

Accepted Answer

Treatable defect: Hemaochromatosis results from a common genetic variant of an irom metabolism gene that results in excessive absorption and tissue deposition of iron that may lead to diabetes, cirrhosis, heart disease and bronzed skin etc.  It can be treated with periodic blood draws to reduce body stores of iron.

Question 8

i have hemochromatosis and had my first phlebotomy yesterday. i was to get 300cc out. my blood was so thick it took 1.5hrs to get 200. why is my blood like that and the risks?

Accepted Answer

Iron overload: This disease, if advanced, causes increased red blood cells, increased iron, and "thick blood".  You may not be well hydrated.  Are you on an aspirin?  You need to see a hematologist or a GI doctor who deals with this illness & have a good treatment area with experienced phlebotomists .  Drink lots of water the day of and be patient.  You may have to go every 1-2 weeks for a while & follow closely.

Question 9

is the blood dark in hemochromatosis?

Accepted Answer

No: The color is normal.  Brown blood usually means methemoglobin.

Question 10

what can cause a blood test to show high levels of ferritin, aside from hemochromatosis?

Accepted Answer

Liver and more: Liver disease, due to alcohol, viral hepatitis; chronic infections, hemolytic anemia, anorexia nervosa, and some drugs can cause elevated serum ferritin.

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Doctor answers about:

Can people with hemochromatosis donate blood

A member asked:

I have hemochromatosis - can i donate blood?

A member asked:

Can someone with genetic hemochromatosis donate blood?

A member asked:

Edited. are there any supplements or foods that help with hemochromatosis and lowering iron levels. is regular blood donation the best way to tackle it?

A member asked:

Is an ast 118 and alt 213 extremely dangerous high? i have hereditary hemochromatosis and i know i drink too much. i donate blood at least 4 times a year to help. is it so high that it wont come down from abstinence of alcohol?how bad r the result?

A member asked:

I have been diagnosed with hereditary haemachromatosis. my transferrin saturation level is at 106% and my ferritin level is at 230ng/ml. do i need to have a venesection done? i am on chronic meds so i can't donate blood.

A member asked:

Every time my son donates blood they tell him his iron is too high . this time it was 51. my uncle has hemochromatosis , should i be concerned .

A member asked:

Hemochromatosis! i'm getting a blood test! can you tell me about it?

A member asked:

I have hemochromatosis and had my first phlebotomy yesterday. i was to get 300cc out. my blood was so thick it took 1.5hrs to get 200. why is my blood like that and the risks?

A member asked:

Is the blood dark in hemochromatosis?

A member asked:

What can cause a blood test to show high levels of ferritin, aside from hemochromatosis?

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