Blood Donation and Low Hematocrit

Being deferred from donation due to a low hematocrit (red blood cell count) does not always mean that you have a medical problem. Your usual hematocrit may simply be below our standard. However, if you have been deferred more than once for a low hematocrit, it is possible that you are truly anemic.

A common cause of mild anemia, especially in women, is iron (Fe) deficiency. Therefore, we suggest two things that you can try. First, be certain your diet contains iron-rich foods.

Second, consider taking iron medication for a short time. Iron pills can be purchased without a prescription. Ferrous fumarate 200 mg tablets or ferrous sulfate 300 mg tablets are forms of iron that are usually well tolerated, especially if taken with meals. The usual dose is one tablet by mouth three times a day for eight weeks. However, the dose amount may vary among different brands, so check with your pharmacist. Iron pills should never be taken for more than eight weeks unless directed by a physician. Also, a course of iron therapy should not be repeated in the future unless you have been evaluated by your physician to confirm the correct diagnosis and to determine why you did not respond to the initial course of iron pills. Iron pills can be toxic if too many are taken. They must be kept out of reach of children.

Remember, we are suggesting a presumptive diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia made simply because you have been deferred from blood donation due to a low hematocrit. You may wish to be further evaluated by your physician at this time, and we urge you to do so if you are having other medical problems, if your hematocrit does not become normal after eight weeks of iron, or if you should become anemic again in the future.

We will be happy to consider you again as a donor. Please call in approximately two weeks. We will recheck your blood count, and if it is normal, you may donate at that time.

Last Reviewed 2005

Source: Elmer L. DeGowin Memoial Blood Center
Department of Pathology
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.