LOUISVILLE — The Red Cross says it's especially struggling this holiday for blood donations, largely because new procedures are weeding out potential donors.

        Standards include a new screening technique for viruses and a requirement that blood from finger sticks be tested for iron.

        To compensate, the Red Cross is working harder to line up donors, said Stephanie French, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross River Valley Blood Services Region in the Louisville area.

        The Red Cross started testing blood drawn from fingers instead of earlobes nationally in August. Research has shown blood drawn from the finger gives a more accurate reading.

        The increased accuracy meant that more people, especially women, were told they can't give because an iron deficiency could make them anemic if they donat ed.

        The agency has been advising people “deferred” due to low iron people to eat lots of iron-rich foods so they'll be able to donate next time.

        The other test designed to make the supply safer has been in use since summer.

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