Support Services - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Am I able to donote blood if I have alpha or beta thalassaemia minor?
A: Yes, as long as iron levels (for a female) are at least 120

Q: I have thalassaemia minor and feel very tired /exhausted. Should I be taking iron supplements?
A: For patients with alpha or beta or thalassaemia  minor, the essential thing is that IF they are iron deficient they should have iron supplementation. What should NOT happen is that they be given iron simply because they are a bit anaemic (of which there are many causes) and NOT iron deficient.

Q: I have thalassaemia minor, am pregnant and feel very lethargic. Should I be taking iron supplements?
A: It is essential that you find out from your doctor whether you are iron deficient from the iron studies, (and it is not uncommon for thalassaemia carriers (who have the minor trait) who are pregnant to be iron deficient. If that is the case and you are “on the threshold” of Fe deficiency it is reasonable to take iron supplements (with your Doctor's approval).

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