Haemochromatosis

Haemochromatosis is a hereditary disease in which the absorption of iron from the small intestine is increased and more iron than normal accumulates in the body. Haemochromatosis is caused by a hereditary alteration or gene mutation. Excess accumulation of iron in the body can lead to abnormal liver function, pancreatic diabetes and cardiac insufficiency.

Persons with haemochromatosis can donate blood if they are monitored by their own doctor and have not developed any of the aforementioned serious symptoms of iron accumulation. However, the Blood Service consultant needs a copy of these persons’ patient records – including diagnosis, data regarding the absence of associated symptoms and a treatment plan made by the patient’s own doctor – before donation commences or when the first donation is performed at the latest.

Would you like more information? Please call the free information number for blood donors on 0800 0 5801 (Mon to Fri from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).