Click on a question to watch Nurse Ficarra answer frequently asked questions about iron overload. Click on a topic to reveal additional questions.
Click on a question below to read answers to frequently asked questions about blood transfusions and iron overload. Click on a question below.
Blood Transfusions
What is blood made of?
Blood is made up of many tiny cells—red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets—all floating in a liquid called plasma.
What are transfusions?
Blood transfusion is a process used to put healthy blood into your body. Transfusions can treat illnesses that affect the blood — such as sickle cell disease, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), thalassemia, and other anemias. The healthy blood you receive from transfusions can be used right away by your body. This is why you feel better after a transfusion.
Where does the blood in the transfusion bag come from?
The blood in transfusion bags comes from healthy people who volunteer to give their blood at places like local blood drives. Donated blood has to be used within a certain number of days after it's donated. This is because the cells that make up blood only live a short time. So blood banks need to replace their blood supply often.
How much blood is in the bag?
The blood you receive during a transfusion comes in small bags. Each bag holds 1 pint which is equal to 2 cups. Pints of blood are also called units—so 1 bag of blood equals 1 unit.
How long do transfusions take?
Transfusions take different amounts of time for different people, depending on a person's age and health, how many units of blood are needed, and where the transfusion is given (a hospital or transfusion center). Usually, a transfusion can take between 1 and 4 hours per unit of blood. So, for example, if you need 2 units of blood, it might take 2 to 8 hours for a transfusion.
Am I at Risk for Iron Overload
Who is at risk for iron overload?
People who have had 10 or more blood transfusions, including those with sickle cell disease, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), thalassemia, other anemias requiring transfusions, or those who have had transfusions for any other reason are at risk for iron overload.
How many transfusions put me at risk?
When you have had 10 or more blood transfusions, you are at risk for iron overload. Be sure to ask your doctor to order a simple blood test called the
serum ferritin test to find out whether you have iron overload. If your iron level is over 1000 mcg/L (micrograms per liter), you have iron overload.
If I had a transfusion or multiple transfusions many years ago, am I still at risk?
Yes. Your risk is calculated by the
total number of blood transfusions you've had in your lifetime. If you can't remember how many transfusions you've had but think you might be at risk, your doctor can order a simple blood test, known as a
serum ferritin test, to find out if you have iron overload. If your iron level is over 1000 mcg/L (micrograms per liter), you have iron overload.
Is it possible to have iron overload and still be anemic?
Yes. Blood transfusions are one of the possible treatments for people with
anemia. And every transfusion you have adds to the iron in your body. If you've had transfusions to treat your anemia, you might eventually have too much iron in your body.
Iron Overload and My Body
How will I know if I have iron overload?
One way to know if you have
iron overload is to have a simple blood test, known as a
serum ferritin test. Ask your doctor if the serum ferritin test is right for you.
What does iron overload feel like?
Can iron overload permanently damage my heart or other organs?
Yes. Iron overload may damage your
heart and other organs —eventually causing them to stop working. This means you could develop heart failure, diabetes, or liver disease. Iron overload may also damage glands in your endocrine system. This can cause erectile dysfunction or infertility, which makes it difficult to have children.
Without a test, can I tell if I have iron overload?
No. Iron overload won't make you feel sick or different until it has caused
serious health problems, such as heart or liver problems.
What tests are available to check for iron overload?
Although there are several tests to check for iron overload, the most common is a simple blood test called the
serum ferritin test. If your iron level is over 1000 mcg/L (micrograms per liter), you have iron overload. Ask your doctor if the serum ferritin test is right for you. Tracking your transfusions and serum ferritin levels can help you and your doctor know when you should be tested.
Talking With Your Doctor
What should I ask my doctor?
To get the conversation about iron overload started, ask your doctor if you're at risk, how you can be screened, and about the importance of tracking your iron levels.
Talking With Your Doctor can help you get the conversation started.
Does my doctor need to know about every transfusion I've ever had?
Yes. Because iron does not go away on its own, it's important to tell your doctor about every transfusion you've had in your lifetime. Some people find it difficult to remember how many transfusions they've had. That's why it's a good idea to write them down. Then take it with you to your doctor visit. The more information your doctor has about your transfusion history, the easier it will be for him or her to decide about when you might need screening for
iron overload. Even if you can't remember every transfusion you've had, talk with your doctor about your risk for iron overload and if a serum ferritin test is right for you.
