Introduction In patients with haemochromatosis, the current standard treatment is by removal of iron by regular venesection. EASL guidelines recommend that, in uncomplicated haemochromatosis patients, blood from therapeutic venesection should be made available to national blood transfusion services. A scheme to facilitate blood donation in these patients was trialled, and here we describe 5 years’ experience of this pilot. Methods A specialist haemochromatosis clinic was developed. In this clinic, an information leaflet and self-referral application to the blood services were provided to those patients interested in becoming blood donors. These applications were countersigned by the responsible physician and upon receipt of the form, the local blood service team contacted patients to determine their eligibility. Data on new referrals and resultant donations from the clinic were collected. Results Following implementation of this Haemochromatosis Pathway, 169 patients have been seen in the dedicated clinic (109 male; median age 56). The majority (156) had uncomplicated haemochromatosis. From these, 66 were potentially eligible for blood donation; 58 were ineligible due to age or co-morbidity and 32 were in the induction phase and therefore not eligible. Prior to the introduction of this service there were 9 regular blood donors amongst this eligible cohort. 56 (85%) of the potentially eligible patients expressed interest in blood donation and 54 (81%) applied. The blood service excluded 6 patients for medical reasons and 8 have not attended. This new pathway has therefore resulted in 31 new, and 40 in total, regular blood donors. This cohort has been responsible for the donation of 334 units of blood, 236 of these coming from new donors. Conclusions 5 year follow-up of this blood donation facilitation service has confirmed that patients with haemochromatosis are willing to be involved in regular blood donation. The number of units donated from these patients has significantly contributed to the regions supply of red cells and could help alleviate ongoing national shortages. The current pathway in Newcastle is now recognised as the ‘gold standard’ in blood donations amongst patients with haemochromatosis. National rollout of this pathway may have significant impact on the availability of this highly valuable commodity.
