Beyond the iron gate: Therapeutic donation at Lifeblood for patients with haemochromatosis

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (Lifeblood) provides therapeutic venesection for patients who meet evidence-based eligibility criteria. Many of these patients have iron overload due to hereditary haemochromatosis (HHC). This study aimed to gain knowledge into the demographic characteristics of donors with haemochromatosis and to investigate their knowledge, compliance and experiences with their condition.

An online survey was sent to therapeutic donors who had provided at least one donation in the five years prior to December 2022. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

HHC donors self-reported high compliance with their prescribed venesection schedules. They reported being very knowledgeable about HHC, with most attending Lifeblood as they know their blood will be used. Further, they reported their doctor had little difficulty referring them to Lifeblood.

These findings will enable the development of more tailored communications with therapeutic donors to enhance their donation experience and potentially improve treatment compliance.