Blood donation getting affected due to increased haemoglobin; red meat and air conditioning contributing factors!

KOCHI: Health experts say that the haemoglobin (Hb) level in the blood is rising as a side effect of the changes in lifestyle and work culture in Kerala over the past quarter of a century. Due to this, many people who are ready to donate blood have to be sent back.

Many of the donors who have to be sent back from the blood bank have haemoglobin levels of 17 and above. According to the National Blood Transfusion Council, a minimum of 12.5 g/dL of Hb is sufficient for donating blood. Dr. N Vijayakumar, an expert in this field, points out that blood is accepted from people with Hb up to 16 g/dL.

Dr. Rama Menon, RMO, IMA Blood Bank, Ernakulam, said that up to 18 g/dL is permissible in cold areas and areas that are very high above sea level. This is taking into account the low oxygen concentration in these areas.

Hb is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells. This protein helps carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Hb increases when oxygen levels in the body decrease.

Not only air pollution, AC is also a villain

• High haemoglobin is called polycythemia. Occupational and environmental factors are also responsible for this apart from genetics.

• Decreased fresh air will increase Hb levels. Working in AC for a long time can affect the respiratory process. Nicotine in the body through smoking is also harmful. Regular consumption of iron-rich red meat can also increase the level of red blood cells and Hb.

• Air pollution and constant contact with smoke in industrial cities like Kochi are all causes. Hb is higher in the blood of auto, truck and bus drivers. This happens in stonemasons, tilers, etc. due to dust.