why does a red cross check for iron before donating blood?

Question

i had an appointment to donate platelet today and I had a check up before donating. they said that my iron is low. what happens if it is low? what do I have to do? this is my second time i got it low. the first time i had 37% and today i got 36%. the normal iron is 38% or over

Answer 1

Though they may call that test that, they are NOT checking for iron.

The test is technically called a 'hematocrit' and is intended to test the amount of red blood cells in your blood. This test is required by law, though the actual form of the test may vary depending on where you are going. For accurate results like you're desribing, they probably centrifuged your blood and measured the volume directly.

There are lots of things which can affect the amount of red blood cells you have kicking around, and one of the more common problems is an iron deficiency. This is probably why it is often referred to as 'checking your iron'. Other things include illness, bleeding, and sometimes just a natural tendancy in some people to have less.

Now... I can tell what you're thinking. "If I'm giving PLATELETS, what difference does it make if I don't have enough red blood cells. I get everything but the platelets back, right?" And this is completely true. Usually. The wrinkle is that the apheresis machine which separates out your platelets usually has about a half a litre of your blood in it while it's operating. If something should go wrong, either in the machine or if you have a reaction, they may have to just pull the needle from your arm and you'll be out that much blood. So they want to make sure you have enough to lose!

And just as there are things that lower the amount of red blood cells you have circulating, there are also things that raise it. Making sure you're eating enough iron is a good one... but be careful with this. Iron in large amounts can be toxic, and vitamin C eaten at the same time can interfere with your digestion of iron. Donating whole blood regularly can prompt your system to overproduce red blood cells a little bit to compensate. Likewise with spending time at high altitudes. Female people may just want to schedule such appointments before instead of after their 'time of the month'.

Hope all that helps! Don't get discouraged... lots of people end up with a low hematocrit from time to time. Donating is a GREAT thing!

Answer 2

Iron deficiency is most common in females for obvious reasons. There is a minimum level to donate blood products and other tests for suitability. It is universal.

Answer 3

You are borderline anemic. You need to eat lots of green leafy veggies to build your iron. If your iron is too low, you can't give blood because then you wouldn't have enough iron left in your body to sustain function. Like trying to go an extra five miles on empty in your car. You will eventually run out of gas.

Answer 4

The "iron check" is a rough way to estimate the amount of hemoglobin in your blood which also estimates the ability of your blood to transport oxygen. Check the refernce for more info and what to do about low iron.

Answer 5

You cannot donate blood if you have anemia. Anemia is lack of iron in the blood. You can take iron pills or eat spinach to increase your iron levels.
Anemia can be a serious problem. I would suggest that you see your doctor about this. My great grandmother died of Anemia, back before they knew about how to treat it.

Answer 6

They haven't ever checked my blood when I went to donate. Must be something new.

Answer 7

Eat more fish, Its good for your body, you body needs that for the blood porduction,

Answer 8

1 to 2 % is a very big difference dont you think. Very serious problem, very serious. Think about it.

Answer 9

Because if you're iron deficient, anemic, you're blood is not good to anyone.

Answer 10

my mom had the same problem. eat marmeat