The High Ferritin app is a mobile app or web based tool which has two purposes:
You can access the app at our website: highferritin.transfusion.com.au
Back to TopA doctor enters patient HFE genetics and ferritin levels into the app. An algorithm then determines whether the patient may benefit from therapeutic venesection.
If venesection is appropriate for the patient, the referring doctor is asked screening questions to determine if the patient would likely meet Lifeblood donor eligibility guidelines. If the patient is likely to be eligible, a recommended and modifiable venesection schedule is determined for the patient. The app automatically sends the patient’s details to Lifeblood so that Lifeblood can call the patient to make appointments.
Back to TopIf your patient has high ferritin unrelated to gene-positive haemochromatosis or secondary polycythaemia, he or she will not be eligible for therapeutic venesection at Lifeblood. Provided this patient meets our other donor criteria, she or he may wish to become a voluntary whole blood or plasma donor. Donations can occur up to every 12 weeks. If your patient has high ferritin, you will need to rule out some causes before she or he can donate. The app provides you with the ability to generate an electronic referral advising the patient may be suitable to commence donation as a volunteer blood donor.
If your patient is declined by the app but you still believe he or she should undergo therapeutic venesection at Lifeblood, you will need to complete a document available in the app and forward this to Lifeblood therapeutic helpdesk at: therapeutichelpdesk@redcrossblood.org.au. A Lifeblood doctor will then contact you to discuss the patient’s condition and to determine suitability for venesection.
Back to TopYes – Lifeblood will continue to accept patients with the following conditions, provided they are being treated by a Specialist Physician:
Lifeblood eligibility guidelines are regulated for the protection of our donors, staff and products. Some patients will not meet these donation guidelines and we will not be able to offer therapeutic venesection to these patients. You will need to consider referral to an alternative provider for venesection.
Back to TopPlease complete your patient's referral by selecting the Polycythaemia/Porphyria tab. This will ensure the most appropriate assessment of your patient's eligibility and the most appropriate use of your patient's blood. Patients with polycythaemia vera or porphyria cutanea tarda are eligible for therapeutic venesection, provided they are being treated by a Specialist Physician.
Back to TopThe algorithm in the app was developed in consultation with Professor John Olynyk, an expert in the field of iron disorders, and has been endorsed by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia,the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand, and Haemochromatosis Australia.
Back to TopIn most cases, the answer is ‘yes’. Any patient previously referred to Lifeblood as a therapeutic donor prior to the introduction of the app can still attend as part of the therapeutic program.
The only exception to this is patients with secondary polycythaemia. Lifeblood no longer accepts these patients as therapeutic donors.
Back to TopNo - There are no medical records stored in the App.
Back to TopYou will not be able to see the venesection schedule record of a patient previously referred by another doctor, unless they are a registered user and have shared their patient with you. Patients can be shared using the facility available on the page that lists your patients.
Back to TopScheduled maintenance of the app will occur out of usual business hours. If the app is offline, please contact us at the help desk on therapeutichelpdesk@redcrossblood.org.au. A Lifeblood staff member will contact you to assist with the referral process.
Back to TopThe app has been developed in accordance with Federal Privacy legislation and the national privacy principles.
The information generated by the app is sent to Lifeblood via a secure file transfer process. Lifeblood also handles information received in accordance with Federal Privacy law. No Personal or Health information is stored in the App.
Back to TopNo - Evidence does not support therapeutic venesection in this condition. If there are particular circumstances that require review please submit an individual assessment form.
Back to TopRefer the attached flow chart.
Back to Top
Yes. Hameochromatosis Australia provide information, support and resources and can be found at: https://haemochromatosis.org.au/
Back to TopIf you have any other feedback relating to the app, please contact us: therapeutichelpdesk@redcrossblood.org.au
Back to TopCopyright 2024 Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
The personal information that you enter on this electronic application allows your patient to be registered and enrolled as a Lifeblood therapeutic or normal volunteer blood donor, and for the person to be registered to provide blood for clinical use when donor selection guidelines are met. No personal information will be stored on the therapeutic application. Lifeblood will handle all information received in the strictest confidence in accordance with the Federal Privacy Law.