Can I donate blood if my Hb value is high?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 34 years old. I went to donate blood today. But the hospital rejected me, as my Hb value is 16.9. Is this level abnormally high? Do I need to get any tests done?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Yes, your hemoglobin value is high and needs to be investigated.
Let me know if your hematocrit values were checked. If it is high as well, the condition is polycythemia. The cause for polycythemia may be secondary to chronic hypoxia due to chronic heart failure or chronic lung disease. If no secondary cause is present, then primary polycythemia can be evaluated through molecular testing for the JAK2 mutation.
For polycythemia, phlebotomy and hydroxyurea therapy are the treatments of choice. Get your blood pressure checked.
I suggest the following investigations to rule out secondary polycythemia:
- EKG (electrocardiogram).
- Chest X-ray.
- Spirometry.
If you have polycythemia, you cannot donate blood. I hope your concern is solved.
Please revert back if you have more concerns.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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