Canadian Blood Services has made changes to its blood donor guidelines, lengthening the time women can donate and making men take a stricter hemoglobin test.
They organization said they are changing their regulations for iron levels in women, which means female donors have to wait longer between blood donations. This will begin Dec. 10, making women wait 12 weeks between donations, replacing the current eight week period.
Male donors will also need to pass a slightly stricter hemoglobin test. The minimum allowable hemoglobin level for men will increase starting March 5.
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells which is necessary for carrying oxygen to the tissues in your body. Iron is an essential element for producing hemoglobin, but it is also found in other parts of the body. It’s possible to have normal hemoglobin levels, but to have low iron.
“We continue to promote the health and wellness of donors as they donate the important and generous gift of life,” said Tracy Smith with Canadian Blood Services. “Many donors will not be able to donate as often, so others must step forward to fill this gap by giving blood and encouraging friends and family to make giving a part of their lives.”
The organization said, in Winnipeg, new blood donors are needed within the next four weeks. They also said more than 2,000 new blood donors are needed within Manitoba.
For more information you can visit the CBS website.
