Failed blood donor Hb test

[Rubusfruticosus]

I failed the haemoglobin test, got 114g/L but I feel completely fine. I'm not tired and I never seem to catch any illnesses that are going around, no symptoms at all. I eat everything listed on the information they gave me, I'm not vegetarian, and I don't have heavy periods. Should I just take an iron supplement or what?

[Rubusfruticosus]

I'm also confused as I was told to get it checked the next time I see the GP for something else, but I have no other reason to go. I need to book a cervical screening but that is with a nurse isn't it? Will they be able to do it?

[palindromeam]

Sorry no medical knowledge to add.

I used to get turned down from time to time when I was a student. I was very thin, ate what I thought was a reasonably balanced diet but on student budget possibly wasn't great and went to give blood just at the of my period.

I did get it checked the first time it happened and the doctor just said it was on the low side of fine and probably just dipped because of the reasons above.

[Watto1]

I have also failed the finger prick test. Blood tests showed that I was simply “on the lower limits of normal.” In other words, not anaemic but if they took blood from me they might make me anaemic.

[FindPrimeLorca]

I’m often right at the edge of the acceptable limit when I donate. They always say that it doesn’t mean I have a problem: it just means that I might have a problem if I gave a pint - they play it very safe with their thresholds. I take it as a cue to drink a glass of orange juice to help absorption whenever I’m eating red meat.

If you were low enough to cause a problem then they’d tell you to visit your GP specially.

[reallyanotherone]

I generally fail the finger prick test, gwt on top of ny diet and take supplements for a bit, go back, pass and give blood. Think my iron is fine, diet goes to shit and i forget the supplements, rinse and repeat

The limits are set very high, and were raised a few years ago.

[Rubusfruticosus]

I'm probably fine then, just below their limit? Can't go back for a year, just missed out on the go back in three months range. I'm a normal weight, bmi 21, in full time work so no issues affording food these days.

[chesterfuckingdraws]

I used to fail the finger prick test regularly more often than not I'd then pass the sample taken from my arm and be allowed to donate, but occasionally I failed that too. I was always told I just didn't meet their numbers but not to be worried unless I felt I had symptoms of anaemia which I never did.

I changed up my diet (unconnected) and I've never failed it since. I just make sure I eat plenty of fresh fruit and veg and less processed food.