In April 2019, the donation rules in England were simplified making it much easier for people with GH to register as blood donors.
If you live in England and need to be venesected every 6 weeks (or less often than every 6 weeks)...
We've negotiated improved donor arrangements for people with genetic haemochromatosis living in Englandfrom January 2023.
If you live in Northern Ireland...
The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) have launched a similar scheme for people pre-maintenance, living in Northern Ireland. The guidance was updated in January 2024 following the charity's advocacy for registration improvements during 2023. Please read the current guidance here.
If you live in Wales...
The Welsh Blood Service have launched a similar scheme for people living in Wales. Please read the guidance here.
If you are in maintenance and live in Scotland...
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) accept people with genetic haemochromatosis who are in maintenance, as donors. Please read the guidance here. In November 2020, further improvements to the service were announced for GH donors in Scotland.
If you live in Scotland and are pre-maintenance...
No, you cannot become a blood donor. But don't despair... Once you have reached maintenance, many people with genetic haemochromatosis can donate their blood.
If you have reached maintenance stage...
Yes, you can become a blood donor and help others through your donations.
However, people with genetic haemochromatosis :
must be able to meet all the donor selection criteria
must be able to meet all the NHSBT coronavirus criteria - please do not donate if you feel unwell
must be free from any organ or tissue damage as a result of iron overload
must not be not taking drugs for their condition (eg oral iron chelators)
If you are donating blood for the first time, you must be between 17 years old and 66 years old. If you have given blood in the past and are over 66 years old, you may be able to donate, subject to additional criteria.
How do I register as a blood donor if I have genetic haemochromatosis?
If you have reached maintenance stage and meet the donor criteria above, simply call the Give Blood National Contact Centre (NCC) helpline to register on 0300 123 23 23.
What else should I be aware of?
NHS Blood & transplant have produced a helpful leaflet which explains the process and the donor registration criteria. We include this in all our membership joining packs - it may also be downloaded for free here.
Information for Donors with GH
Please note that the NHS Blood & Transplant donation criteria vary slightly in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
For further details :
Northern Ireland : call 08085 534 666 or visit the NIBTS website
Scotland : call 0345 90 90 999 or visit the Scotblood website
Wales : call 0800 25 22 66 or visit the Welsh Blood Service website