Having low hemoglobin levels is one of the most common reasons individuals are deferred from donating blood.
Female blood donors must have a minimum hemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dL and male blood donors must have a minimum of 13.0 g/dL to donate. This required hemoglobin level is set by the FDA for the safety of the donor. A hemoglobin level below 12.5 g/dL for women and 13.0 g/dL for men may be normal for you or it may mean you have a condition call anemia. Your health care provider can best advise you whether treatment is needed.
Even with a normal hemoglobin level, iron levels can be low. The most important frequent donors can do to maintain their iron stores is to take a multivitamin with iron or an iron supplement. Our current recommendation is 18-38 mg of iron once a day following each red cell donation. Your physician or pharmacist may be able to assist you in deciding what dose, type and duration of iron supplement to choose.
Ways to make an appointment to donate
- Schedule your donation online.
- Contact us
(713) 791-6373 or cs@giveblood.org
Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.