Blood donation is a voluntary noble act that helps in saving countless lives. However, before rolling up your sleeves, it's crucial to understand the haemoglobin requirements for blood donation and the potential consequences of donating with low haemoglobin levels.
But why is haemoglobin necessary for blood donation? Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. For a blood donation to be safe for both the donor and the recipient, the donor must have a sufficient haemoglobin level. This ensures that the donor maintains their health after donation and that the blood provided is rich in oxygen-carrying capacity
According to the American Red Cross Society every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. This lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. The need for blood is constant. But only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. You can help the American Red Cross make sure that supply meets demand.
To understand how much haemoglobin levels are required for donating blood, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Kiran Dhake, Corporate Wellness Physician, Mumbai.
According to Dr Dhake, the haemoglobin requirement for blood donation differs. It is subject to the guidelines of different blood donation organisations.
However, according to the Red Cross Society, the minimum required levels to be eligible for blood donation are:
1. For men: A haemoglobin level of at least 13.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
2. For women: A haemoglobin level of at least 12.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
3. A donor’s haemoglobin level cannot be higher than 20.0g/dL to donate.
“These values [1,2] imply that blood donors have sufficient stores of haemoglobin and could contribute easily and safely for blood donation, without jeopardising their health,” Dr Dhake said.
Also read: Boost Your Haemoglobin Naturally with These 7 Expert Listed Fruits
While blood donation activity has pros, it is also imperative to focus on the consequences of donating blood with Low Haemoglobin values.
Explaining, Dr Dhake said, “Low haemoglobin values in the red blood cells, medically known as anaemia, can have several adverse consequences on the body system. It can be of different types, the commonest is iron deficiency type and others are due to, Vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency or chronic illness.”
Consequences
Dr Dhake explained the consequences of donating blood with low haemoglobin levels.
1. Increased Fatigue and decrease/loss of energy levels
As mentioned, haemoglobin is a crucial component for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Pre-existing deranged haemoglobin levels tend to drop further during blood donation activity leading to a lack of oxygen supply to various organs resulting in low energy levels, tiredness and weakness.
2. Dizziness and Light-headedness
Blood donation can have an impact on blood pressure. After the process, the blood pressure tends to drop temporarily. Compromised haemoglobin levels can result in fainting episodes, lightheadedness at the initial stage and at times followed by dizzy spells.
3. Shortness of breath and noticeable heartbeats [palpitations]
A result of the inability of insufficient haemoglobin to carry enough oxygen within the blood, from the lungs to other body organs—leads to breathing issues and irregular heartbeats.
4. Pale Skin
Paleness is one of the noticeable symptoms of low blood supply to skin tissues as a result of anaemia.
Also read: Low On Haemoglobin? Expert Explains Role Of Haemoglobin And What Causes Its Deficiency?
5. Worsening of underlying Health Conditions
If low haemoglobin levels are existing because of underlying conditions –such as iron/ vitamin b12 deficiency, chronic diseases, or digestive tract disorders, engaging in blood donation can worsen these conditions –leading to further complications.
6. Delayed Recovery
Individuals with low haemoglobin may experience a longer recovery period after the blood donation. As a result, individuals may have symptoms, such as – overall low energy levels and well-being-- for an extended period.
7. Risk of Severe Anaemia
In severe cases, donating blood with low haemoglobin can lead to significant anaemia, which might require medical intervention, such as blood transfusions or iron supplements, to replenish the depleted stores of haemoglobin.
Precautions
To avoid these events, blood donation organisations typically measure haemoglobin levels before allowing someone to donate.
If a potential donor's haemoglobin is too low, individuals are advised to wait and improve their haemoglobin levels before donating. This can involve:
a) By consuming an iron & vitamin C-rich diet or multivitamin supplements.
b)Addressing any underlying health concerns that might be affecting haemoglobin levels.
c) Following up with a healthcare professional for appropriate management.
Conclusion
Prime objectives of blood donation safeguarding the donor's health and protecting the quality of donated blood/blood products for recipients can be achieved by ensuring the optimal haemoglobin levels of the donor.