Iron is in your blood. It is the “fuel” that helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your tissues. Your body naturally replaces iron after you give blood, but you might need more iron before you donate or if you give often.
We do not directly measure your iron. You get a mini-health exam when you come in to donate, and we prick your finger to test your hematocrit level. Blood has three components—red blood cells, plasma and platelets. The hematocrit test measures red blood cells because iron increases them.
You may need iron if your hematocrit is low, which happens late in iron deficiency. You can have low iron and still have a normal hematocrit level, but health problems from low iron are rare before the hematocrit falls.
Iron pills or multivitamins with iron can help. The pills work faster than foods with a lot of iron; 18-38 mg of iron once a day for eight weeks replaces iron lost during a donation. There are no more side effects than a sugar pill. You should talk to your doctor about your needs. Iron fuels your body for the next donation, and healthy donors save more lives.
Donors most likely to need more iron:
Those who are growing:
- Pregnant women
- Teenagers and young adults
Adult donors must wait 56 days between whole blood donations.
Our young donors must wait longer:
- 16-18-year-old males — 84 days
- 16-18-year-old females — 112 days
Donors with a hematocrit level near or below the minimum required:
- 38% for women
- 39% for men
Frequent donors:
- Women, ages 16-50, who give more than one whole blood/red cell donation a year
- Men and women over 50 who give more than two whole blood/red cell donations a year
- Platelet donors who give more than once a month
If you are a frequent donor or are at risk for having low iron stores, taking an iron supplement is highly recommended. Talk to your health care provider to decide if iron is best for your health.
We’re shortening the deferral wait to just one day. You’ll still need to increase your iron level in time for your next appointment, but you won’t have to wait as long to schedule your next appointment.
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center does not directly measure your iron. When we prick your finger, we test your hematocrit level. Blood has three components—red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. The hematocrit test measures red blood cells because iron increases them.
Ways to make an appointment to donate
- Schedule your donation online.
- Contact us
(713) 791-6373 or [email protected]
Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.