NOTES

A person with a previous anaemia should be assessed by questions about the type of anaemia and whether on therapy. Many multi-vitamin preparations contain some iron. This would not normally be a cause for deferral unless the preparation is prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of anaemia

ACCEPT:

• Individuals who have been treated for iron deficiency once treatment is complete, i.e. they are no longer on iron tablets, and are not under investigation, the underlying cause is not a reason to defer, and they pass the haemoglobin screen
• If the donor is taking multi-vitamins that contain iron, unless he/she is under investigation for anaemia or iron deficiency
• If donor states that they specifically took iron tablets pre donation to increase likelihood to donate

 DEFER:

• If under investigation for anaemia (of any cause) until results are available  
• Persons under investigations for iron deficiency with or without anaemia
• If on treatment for anaemia, even if it is prophylactic treatment to prevent the development of anaemia
• If taking iron tablets, even if self-prescribed (see above)

SEE IF RELEVANT

• PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA
• VITAMINS