New regulations put in place by the FDA will soon affect male blood and platelet donors.
Previously, the hemoglobin or "iron test" required that men be at 12.5 grams per deciliter. Now the minimum level accepted will be raised to 13.0. That test measured red blood cells and the FDA has determined men should be at that higher level before they donate, as to ensure they will be able to easily recover from the donation. The test is done for both blood and platelet donation.
The Community Blood Center in Appleton expects this new change will cause them to lose about 5% of their donors, as consequently more people will be deferred.
Dr. Todd Strauss is the Chief Medical Officer at the Community Blood Center, and admits anytime they have to turn someone away it is difficult.
"People want to give, that's why they're here," Strauss said.
In addition to this change, blood collection agencies are also dealing with more deferrals due to people who have traveled to areas affected by the Zika virus infection. People who have been to an area affected by it are deferred for 28 days.
The new minimum level for men will be put in place on May 23rd at all donation agencies like the Community Blood Center as well as the American Red Cross.
Both groups recognize that men who usually were on the low end of the hemoglobin test may not be able to donate as easily anymore and encourage those people to "bring a buddy" and encourage more people to donate.
"The number one reason most people don't donate blood is because no one ever asked them to," Strauss said.
Other ways to ensure your hemoglobin levels are high enough are by eating a healthy diet full of iron-rich foods.
If a donor is deferred, they can attempt to donate as early as the next day but it often takes longer than that to increase the red blood cell count.
A single blood donation can save up to three lives, and there is no alternative to blood when someone needs it.
For more information on how to book an appointment to donate blood, visit one of the multiple locations of The Community Blood Center or find a drive through the American Red Cross.
