Blood donation??

[zairen]

Hey guys sorry I'm not sure if this is the right place to post, but yea I was diagnosed back with Alpha Thalassemia Trait (turns out both my parents had it and they didn't know till I was about 12 - which was when I found out too!)

Anyway, fortunately they were of different 'types' i guess - don't really know the specific term but yea ended up with me being Alpha Thal trait (is it the same as minor? It's written as alpha thal trait in my health booklet :D )

But yea, mostly no side effects nothing wrong life as normal except gotta be careful when i marry :P

Anyway, I was wondering, can those with Alpha Thal Trait donate blood? I've been interested in donating it but am not too sure.

[ThalGirl]

My sister has Thal Minor and she use to donate until she became a little anemic.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Alpha thalassemia is caused by mutations in the alpha chain of the hemoglobin molecule. Alpha thalassemia genes can mix in different ways; this can range from the loss of one alpha thalassemia gene to the loss of four alpha thalassemia genes. People with alpha thalassemic trait can give blood like other people, provided they are not anaemic. The blood transfusion service tests donors for anemia before each blood donation. This test will exclude a thalassaemia carrier with mild anaemia. If you have anemia, then you cannot donate blood.


It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.