Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH), a genetic condition characterized by excessive iron accumulation, is prevalent among Northern European populations, causes excessive iron accumulation, and requires regular therapeutic phlebotomy (blood removal) for treatment. Despite critical global blood shortages, this blood is often discarded based on outdated safety concerns. A rapid review of literature was conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of using blood from uncomplicated HH patients. The review found strong evidence that blood from HH donors is safe, effective, and comparable to that of healthy donors. Specifically, red blood cells from HH donors improve hemoglobin increments in transfusion recipients, and their platelet quality is comparable to healthy donors. This evidence strongly supports updating policies to integrate HH patients into the general blood supply and mitigate the professional liability associated with the unnecessary waste of a valuable medical resource. 

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
• Explain the clinical necessity of therapeutic phlebotomy for hemochromatosis patients and the global blood supply implications of discarding this blood. 
• Analyze the safety and efficacy data of blood collected from uncomplicated HH patients, as evidenced by a rapid review of the literature. 
• Compare the quality of key blood components (red cells and platelets) from HH donors against those from healthy donors. 
• Justify policy changes and propose strategies to safely integrate uncomplicated HH patients into standard blood donation programs. 

CRNI® RUs: This session has been approved for 2 CRNI® recertification units and meets the non INS Meeting criteria.

Contact Hours: This session has been approved for 1 contact hour

Expiration date for receipt of contact hours: June 30, 2029

To receive contact hours for this educational activity, you are required to attend the entire educational activity and complete the evaluation.

The Infusion Nurses Society is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #CEP14209. The certificate must be retained by the attendee for a period of 4 years.