Female blood donors face stricter haemoglobin requirements
發佈日期: 2025-05-26 21:00
TVB News
Starting tomorrow, female blood donors in Hong Kong will face stricter haemoglobin requirements. The Red Cross says the move aims to indirectly encourage women to adopt iron-rich diets.
To donate blood, goodwill alone is not enough. Donors must also pass a series of tests, including meeting specified haemoglobin levels.
Low haemoglobin levels can lead to anaemia, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.
Currently, female donors must have haemoglobin levels between 11.5 and 16.5 g/dL. Starting on Tuesday, the minimum level will be adjusted to 12g/dL.
The Red Cross explained the adjustment aligns with practices in other regions and estimates that over 10 women daily will temporarily defer donations due to falling short of the new threshold.
The organisation further explained insufficient haemoglobin is primarily due to inadequate iron absorption. However, they believe the raised standard won't significantly impact donor numbers.
This, as deferrals for low haemoglobin have already dropped from nearly 40,000 in 2015 to just over 10,000 last year.
LEE CHEUK-KWONG, Chief Executive & Medical Director, HK Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service: "We want to bring further awareness in our population, not only in the donor, in the general population, about the importance of iron to the health. So, this is our aim of this change."
So, how can we supplement iron? This nutritionist said many shellfish and seafood are rich in iron, for instance, shellfish contain twice as much iron as beef.
Fruits like kiwis and guavas pack double to triple the vitamin C content of oranges. A high vitamin C intake can significantly enhance our ability to absorb iron.
The centre also reminds the public that irregular eating schedules, rushed meals and consuming tea or coffee with food can impair iron absorption.
It advises citizens to adopt healthy and balanced dietary habits to maintain optimal nutrient levels.
