Genetic Haemochromatosis (GH) is the most common inherited condition in Wales. In this disorder, iron builds up in the body and if left untreated, can lead to organ damage, joint pain and diabetes.
Treatment for Haemochromatosis
Treatment is simple and involves regularly removing around 500ml of blood (called venesection). This is divided into two different phases:
- Induction phase
When iron levels are very high, usually after diagnosis, blood may need to be removed as often as every week. - Maintenance phase
Once iron levels have reduced to normal limits, treatment becomes less frequent. Your hospital team will decide how long you must wait between venesections.
Becoming a blood donor as a GH patient
Many people with GH can give blood with the Welsh Blood Service, provided they meet the donation criteria for giving blood. Individuals with GH who have never required venesection may also be eligible to donate.
To donate blood, you must meet the following every time you donate:
- The UK blood donor eligibility criteria* (click here for more).
- Not have complications as a result of GH, such as liver cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
- Not be receiving chelation therapy.
- Not had an adverse reaction to venesection.
*Please note, if you are a GH patient aged between 66 and 72, a hospital venesection will also count as a blood donation.
