Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH)

What Is Hereditary Hemochromatosis?

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is an inherited disorder in which the body’s iron reserves are improperly metabolized and excess levels are deposited in the tissues. Many HH patients are treated by undergoing blood withdrawals for the purpose of reducing iron overload. Only patients genetically tested and diagnosed with the hereditary form of hemochromatosis qualify for this program.

How does the program work?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations allow HH patients to donate blood without an associated fee and more often than other blood donors, if necessary. If all donor eligibility criteria and safety regulations are met, the FDA also allows blood from those diagnosed with HH to be sent to hospitals for transfusion purposes.

There are two types of blood draws in this program: allogeneic or therapeutic. Allogeneic means that your blood can be used for transfusion to a hospital patient, while therapeutic means that your blood is not used for transfusion purposes.

Are You Eligible?

Please take a moment to check your eligibility to be an allogeneic blood donor. Whether your status is allogeneic or therapeutic, the following form must be completed and sent to Carter BloodCare’s Donor Notification department.

Enrollment Process

To begin, an Enrollment/Prescription for No-Fee Phlebotomy Form must be submitted by the donor’s physician. The physician must specify the phlebotomy frequency and disclose any other health (heart/lung) concerns. This will be kept on file in our office. This form must mailed, emailed, or faxed to our offices prior to scheduling your first appointment. It may be renewed each year by your physician.

The Enrollment/Prescription Form needs to be filled out completely. Please do not alter or add to the form, as this will delay your enrollment. This form is valid for one year.

This is a donor driven program; you and your physician will determine when you need to be drawn. A form marked for every 2 weeks will allow you to be drawn with at least a two-week interval between donations. It does not require you to donate every two weeks.

The patient may either complete the top portion of the Enrollment Form and forward it to their physician for signature, or ask their physician to send a completed form to Carter BloodCare’s Donor Notification Department.

Please also use the Enrollment Form if you are already enrolled in the HH program and are updating a current or expired form.

When we have received the form, you will be notified by mail or email that your enrollment is complete.

As a member of our HH program, WE OFFER PHLEBOTOMY AT NO CHARGE TO YOU. If you are not eligible to donate or become deferred, or do not want your blood to be donated for transfusion purposes, please contact Donor Notification so that we may update your account.

Some cardiac or lung conditions may exclude you from being able to be drawn at Carter BloodCare. If a history of cardiac and/or lung conditions applies to you, please call Donor Notification at (817) 412-5603 or email at dn@carterbloodcare.org. Donor Notification will be able to address your concerns.

For any questions or concerns, you can reach Donor Notification weekdays at (817) 412-5603 or email dn@carterbloodcare.org.

Thank you for supporting the community blood supply by donating with Carter BloodCare.

1. Enrollment Form
2. Submit completed forms to dn@carterbloodcare.org or fax to (817) 412-5609.