Canadian Blood Services introduces new iron guideline

By Ryan Jones

To ensure the overall wellness of donors, Canadian Blood Services has introduced a new iron guideline.

The guideline went into effect Dec. 10, 2016 requiring women to wait 12 weeks in between blood donations, compared to the previous eight week waiting period. CTV has reported that the Canadian Blood Services created the guideline to prevent anemia, an iron deficiency in the blood, but conflicts with the demand of 10,000 donors needed nationwide and 6,000 donors needed in Ontario alone. With each blood donation, 450 ml of blood is taken.

Dr. Jowan Perry who works at LaSalle Medical Associates on Front Rd. said the new guideline was most likely implemented because it takes 10-12 weeks to replenish iron levels after donating and that iron is essential to avoid anemia.

“It [anemia] could lead to palpitations, headaches, fatigue, lack of sleep, aches and pains,” said Perry. “There’s more possibility of infection.”

Frequent blood donor, Kris Simon, said he sees no issue with the new guideline. He started donating blood following an accident.

“I had a serious accident when I was 15 and needed a lot of blood at the time. My parents were avid donors and they have supported and encouraged myself to donate,” said Simon.

Simon said blood donation is a selfless act to help a stranger.

This statement proved true when Alex Turner needed a blood transfusion in November 2016.

She was admitted to Windsor Regional Hospital when an incision from a prior tonsillectomy broke and started to bleed.

“To my surprise there wasn’t enough O – negative blood in the blood bank to accommodate my needs,” said Turner. “So the OR had to call the other hospital campus to have some brought to me. Forty-five minutes later I finally received the transfusion I needed.”

Type O blood is the most common blood type in Canada.

“I was lucky. Others may not be,” said Turner. “I urge you to go to your next blood donation clinic and donate blood. One donation can save up to three lives.”

With a longer waiting period, Canadian Blood Services are making sure the donors are healthy, while ensuring the best success for people receiving donations.