People with a common genetic condition who need to give blood as part of their medical treatment are being urged to consider donating to an Australian Red Cross Lifeblood donor centre to save lives.
Haemochromatosis, which cause the body to store too much iron, is linked to cancer and organ damage and is the most common genetic disorder in Australia affecting one in every 180 to 200 people.
The primary treatment to reduce high levels of iron (i.e. haemochromatosis) is the removal of blood, which is typically done every 12 weeks.
With blood demand nationally at a 12 year-high, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is joining forces with the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) and Haemochromatosis Australia to encourage people with haemochromatosis to speak to their GP about donating at a Lifeblood donor centre.
New Lifeblood research reveals that many aren’t aware their blood can be used to save lives, a misconception that could be preventing donations.
“Unlike many other chronic health problems, this condition has a positive spin-off for others, and people with the condition have the potential to contribute greatly to the blood supply as they often need to give blood frequently,” said Lifeblood researcher, Dr Peter Bentley.
“People with haemochromatosis make up 2.5 per cent of the Australian blood donor panel, with 15,000 donors already making 37,000 donations every year at Lifeblood donor centres.
In 1988, Australia became one of the first countries in the world to accept blood donations from people with haemochromatosis. Lifeblood also recently moved to test iron levels in first-time donors, picking up people with both very high, and very low iron, including those potentially with haemochromatosis.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins encouraged patients with haemochromatosis to give blood.
“If you have iron overload, working with a GP to self-manage haemochromatosis and reduce the risk of complications in a way that motivates you and makes you feel like you’re in control has positive benefits for patients. Making your treatment beneficial for others though blood donations could be a great motivator to keep you on track,” Dr Higgins said.
“It’s rare that a condition’s treatment can benefit other patients, so patients with iron overload and their GPs should definitely consider donating blood via a service that can use it to help others.”
