Blood Donation Status Research Articles

Shared decision-making for patients with vaccine-related concerns of blood transfusion: A single institution experience.

Some patients express concerns regarding receipt of allogeneic blood transfusions from donors potentially vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). However, limited information exists about patients' expression of these concerns or how to address them during the blood transfusion consent process. In this study, we describe our experience of working collaboratively with patients with vaccine-related transfusion concerns prior to elective surgery, summarizing treatment decisions and clinical outcomes. This observational descriptive study includes patients seen in our Bloodless Medicine and Surgery clinic between June 2022 and June 2024 for vaccine-related transfusion concerns prior to elective surgery. A shared decision-making framework was employed to foster conversation, share information, provide reassurance, reconcile conflict, and match preferences with available care options. Patient characteristics, treatment decisions, and surgical outcomes were reviewed and summarized. Thirty-five patients were included, with median (1st, 3rd quartile) age of 61 (53, 69) years. Cardiac surgery was the most common type of surgery (29%). Twelve patients (34%) were anemic preoperatively, and all received preoperative treatment. After discussion with a Bloodless Medicine specialist, 24 (68.6%) decided to consent to the use of all blood products, 5 (14.3%) accepted only red blood cells, and 6 (17.1%) declined all blood products. Among 28 patients undergoing surgery, only 4 (14%) received allogeneic transfusion perioperatively. Many patients concerned about the vaccination status of blood donors may ultimately consent to allogeneic blood products after shared decision-making with a Bloodless Medicine specialist, highlighting the importance of patient empowerment and collaborative care.

Unveiling blood donation knowledge, attitude, and practices among 12,606 university students: a cross-sectional study across 16 countries

We assessed university students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice toward blood donation and identified the factors that promote or hinder their willingness to donate. We employed a multicenter cross-sectional design, collecting data from August to October 2022 through self-administered questionnaires available in Arabic and English. Both online (Google Forms) and paper surveys were utilized. Data were analyzed using R Statistical Software (v4.1.3; R Core Team 2022). A total of 12,606 university students (7966 females and 4640 males) from 16 countries completed the questionnaire; of them, 28.5% had a good knowledge level regarding blood donation, and 22.7% had donated blood at least once. Students in health science colleges had significantly more awareness of blood donation (p-value < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in practice (p-value = 0.8). Barriers to donation included not being asked (37%), medical ineligibility (33%), fear of pain or infection (18%), concerns about negative health effects (18%), difficulty accessing donation centers (15%), and medical mistrust (14%). Individuals aged > 20 years had significantly higher odds of possessing a high knowledge level (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.77, p < 0.001). Private and international university enrollment was associated with increased knowledge (aOR 1.19, p-value < 0.001 and aOR 1.44, p-value = 0.003), while non-health science college students had lower odds (aOR 0.36, p < 0.001). Regarding blood donation status, participants > 20 years old were more likely to donate (aOR 2.21, p < 0.001). Conversely, being female, having congenital or chronic diseases, and possessing low knowledge levels were associated with decreased odds of blood donation (all p < 0.05). University students show insufficient knowledge about blood donation, with health science students displaying higher awareness levels. Despite their positive attitudes, blood donation rates remain low across all disciplines. It is imperative to enhance education and accessibility to foster a culture of blood donation among students.

Support for Research Biobanks Among Medical Students in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Background: Over the past few years, several biobanks have been organized in the Republic of Kazakhstan (RoK). As research biobanks are becoming an increasingly important tool for precision medicine, they require competent biobankers who will help disseminate the idea of biobanking throughout the society and support donation for research purposes. This study aimed to assess the support for research biobanks among medical students (MSs) in Kazakhstan. Methods: This research includes data from an anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire regarding MSs' support for research biobanks in the RoK. Results: Only 212 (31.3%) MSs have heard of biobanks and 466 (68.7%) have not. Students who were biobank-aware held more positive views regarding biobanks, were more likely to support the idea of establishing a research biobank in Kazakhstan, and expressed a greater willingness to donate their biological material for research purposes. Students' awareness of biobanks was also associated with the respondents' motivations to donate. Students who were familiar with biobanks tended to be motivated by altruistic reasons more often, and those unfamiliar with biobanks tended to indicate selfish motives. Students' attitudes toward donation to various types of research and biobanks were influenced by their awareness of biobanks, any family history of genetic disease, experience of chronic disease, declared religiousness, hospitalization history, blood donor status, and year of study. Conclusion: Since MSs' awareness of research biobanks is low, there is an urgent need for biobank education in Kazakhstan.

Influence of Gender and Previous Blood Donation Status on Attitude Toward Blood Donation: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Blood supply shortage may affect the health of patients who are transfusion-dependent. Consequently, blood donation plays an important role in the community as it can provide sufficient blood supply at blood bank centers. Medical sciences students can help promote blood donation. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge on, attitude toward, and barriers on blood donation among medical sciences students at the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire with 23 knowledge and attitude questions was established using Google Forms. Statistical analysis was performed based on gender and blood donation status (never donated, unable to donate, and donated blood). In total, 601 participants from six different departments responded to the questionnaire. Interestingly, female students had a higher rate of accurate responses toward the knowledge and attitude questions than male students (p < 0.01). Furthermore, students who previously donated had a higher rate of accurate responses to the questions than those who were not able to or never donated blood (p < 0.01). The questionnaire was designed to assess the general knowledge and attitude of medical sciences students and barriers on blood donation. Female gender and a history of blood donation had a significant impact on responses. Therefore, more efforts are required to educate students regarding the importance of blood donation among patients who are transfusion-dependent.

Assessing the influence of affective attitudes, demography and blood donor status on organ donor registration active decisions in opt-out systems.

In contrast to opt-in systems, relatively little is known about what influences whether or not people register a decision about organ donation in opt-out systems. We address this gap in the literature. Participants (N = 756) living in a country with opt-out consent (Wales, UK) provided information on demographics and blood donor status. Participants indicated whether they had opted-in or opted-out (i.e. active decision), or not registered a decision under the assumption of deemed consent. Subsequently, their negative emotional beliefs (or affective attitudes) towards organ donation were measured. Opting-in was associated with being younger, having donated blood and holding superstitious beliefs about donation (jinx). Disgust (ick factor) deterred opting-in, and bodily integrity concerns increased opting-out. Positive affective attitudes increased opting-in and deterred opting-out. Actively opting-in increases the likelihood of organs being transplanted, thus, modifying affective attitudes and targeting blood donors should enhance the number of donors available under opt-out systems.

Evaluation of Blood Donation Awareness Level: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals regarding blood donation. A questionnaire study was conducted with 644 individuals aged 18 and older who applied to a university hospital outpatient clinic between May 15, 2023, and August 15, 2023. Foreign nationals under the age of 18 were excluded from the study. The first six questions of the questionnaire were about sociodemographic characteristics. The other 28 questions were designed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to blood donation.The data obtained were analyzed with the SPSS 29 program. Categorical data were summarized as frequencies and percentages, and the relationship between variables was evaluated by the chi-square test, post hoc Bonferroni test, and Fisher's Exact Test. Among the participants, 55% (n=354) were married, 57.1% (n=368) were female, 44.4% (n=286) were university graduates, and 24.8% (n=160) were between the ages of 18 and 24.There was a significant relationship between gender and age and individuals' responses to the question about their previous blood donation status. Similarly, there was a significant relationship between the accuracy of answers and educational status and age in the question about the place of blood donation. There was a significant relationship between marital status, educational status, and age and responses to the question about those who were unable to donate blood or diseases that may be caused by blood donation. Individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward blood donation were found to be influenced by sociodemographic factors. Sociodemographic characteristics should be taken into account in activities to encourage blood donation and in the education of the community. It is believed that our study will shed light on future studies in this regard.

Analysis of the reentry status of blood donors with reactive bloodborne pathogen screening markers in Hangzhou City

Objective: To explore the reentry rate of reactive blood donors in the bloodborne pathogen infection screening in Hangzhou City, and analyze the donation behavior of those who successfully returned. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the return data of blood donors with reactive bloodborne pathogen screening markers was conducted at Zhejiang Provincial Blood Center from June 2017 to May 2022. The reentry process for blood donors with reactive bloodborne pathogen screening markers in Hangzhou City is as follows: after the initial screening period of 6 months, donors can voluntarily apply for return to the blood center. Samples are collected and subjected to routine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening for HBsAg, anti-HCV, HIV Ab/Ag, and anti-TP, as well as a single nucleic acid (HIV/HCV/HBV) test. For samples that show non-reactivity in both ELISA and nucleic acid tests, serum biomarker testing for the reasons of exclusion is performed using chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), and those with non-reactivity are allowed to return. Results: A total of 4 583 reactive blood donors who met the criteria for re-entry applied for reentry, out of which 475 applications were received from donors in the Hangzhou area. Among these, 279 donors were successfully readmitted, resulting in a success rate of 58.74% (279/475). By the end of December 2021, out of the 174 donors who successfully returned, 114 donors chose to donate again. They collectively donated 39 530 ml of whole blood and 1 147.2 therapeutic doses of platelets. Among these, 21 donors once again showed reactivity for pathogen infection biomarkers, accounting for 18.42% (21/114). Conclusion: The reentry strategy has somewhat mitigated the attrition of blood donors. Nevertheless, there are instances where donors who were successfully readmitted show reactivity once more in the screening for pathogen infection biomarkers.

A Markov Chain Approach to the Pattern of Blood Donation Status at a Blood Service Centre in Zimbabwe

Background: Blood donors’ behaviour towards blood donation is not easily predictable and can be considered a stochastic random variable. A four-state Markov chain technique was defined and adopted in this study. The transition probabilities of blood donation within the four identified states, viz: new, regular, occasional, and lapsed donors were used to making further inferences about the dynamics in blood donation in Harare, Zimbabwe. Objectives: The paper presents a four-state Discrete Time Markov Chain (DTMC) model in analysing the changes in blood donation status over the four-year study period. Methodology: A transition probabilities matrix was developed and parameters estimated using the maximum likelihood method and two other approaches, and inferences were made based on the resultant transition matrix. Results: About 56% of new donors made at least one repeat donation and became regular donors within the first year, and the numbers gradually declined with time, whilst the lapsed donors increased from 35.6% in the second year to 55.6% in year 4. The long-run probabilities tell the same, with 80.9% of blood donations becoming lapsed in the long run. Depending on the current state of donation, new or regular donations will likely move to the regular donation state in the following time step (year). On the other end, occasional and lapsed donations have a higher probability of entering the lapsed donation state in the following time step (year). Conclusion: The paper provides useful insights into the Markovian transition probabilities among the blood donation states, and this has implications on future blood donors’ pool and blood bank inventory in Zimbabwe. The decline in the number of donors who make repeat donations is a worrisome trend since regular donations are the lifeline of any blood service centre.

A Markov jump process approach to modeling blood donor status: Donor retention and attrition rates at a blood service center in Zimbabwe.

BackgroundBlood service agencies depend upon the availability of regular blood donors for sustainability. The knowledge and understanding of the stochastic behavior of donors is the first step toward sustaining the blood supply. Analyzing the changes in the donor status within the donor pool will help the blood service authorities to manage the blood donation process.ObjectivesThe study presents a multistate Markov jump model in analyzing the changes in blood donor status during their blood donation career. Relevant covariates are used to aid in explaining the transitions.Materials and MethodsThe status of a blood donor i that can be in one of four states S = {1; 2; 3; 4}. A new donor (s = 1), repeat/regular donor (s = 2), occasional donor (s = 3), and lapsed donor (s = 4). A Continuous‐time Markov model was used to estimate blood donor progression during their blood donation career. Frequencies of blood donations made in a given time interval determines the state occupied.ResultsIn the early years of blood donation career, first‐time donors have a higher likelihood of becoming regular donors. Donor attrition increases with time whilst donor retention decreases with time. The results show that when the jump process is currently in an occasional state, the probability that it moves into lapsed state when it leaves the occasional state is given as 69.06%. Similarly, donors are forecasted to spend 21.193 months (1.8 years) in the occasional state before lapsing. Repeat donors can spend 39.342 months (3.3 years) in the regular state before the transition to other states. The study established that donor‐specific demographic factors such as age and gender are critical in donor status transitions.ConclusionsWith the passage of time, donor status evolves, with trend inclined towards reduction in the frequency of blood donations as more donors become inactive or lapsed. The transition of donors in various states can be described by a time homogeneous Markov model.

Toxoplasmosis Immunity Status of Blood Donors in Sidi Bel Abbès, West Algeria.

BackgroundToxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease. It is due to an obligate intracellular protozoan called Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Felids are considered definitive hosts, and humans take part as intermediate hosts. At least one-third of the world’s population is seropositive to the parasite. In addition, to the known modes of transmission, the infection can be transmitted through blood transfusions. The aim of this study is to assess the immune status of blood donors about this disease and estimate the potential risk by blood components.MethodologyA single cross-sectional study was conducted based on the search for T. gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) in blood donors. This research was performed using a latex particle agglutination assay confirmed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsIn all, 103 blood donors were involved in this study. The sex ratio of male/ female was 0.75. The recorded rate of exposure to toxoplasmosis in blood donors was 47.7% (95% CI: 35.1-54.3). Significant differences were observed between the prevalence and those of other African countries in West, East, and Central Africa, but not with those of Algerian pregnant women and neighboring North African countries. There was no association between T. gondii seropositivity and the following factors: sex, age, and blood group ABO or Rhesus. Antitoxoplasma IgG was detectable in all positive donors, while IgM was undetectable. All seropositive donors had an IgG titer ≥9 IU/ml. The potential risk of T. gondii transmission ranges from 1 per 100,000 to 17 per 100,000 blood donations.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was comparable to those found in Algerian pregnant women and neighboring North African countries. However, the seroprevalence rate was lower than recorded in other African countries. There is even a risk of transmission of toxoplasmosis through blood transfusions. There is a need to enhance blood safety measures for pregnant, immunocompromised, and multi-transfused people. As the immune status of blood donors may vary by region, there is a need to extend the national studies to the entire country. This study provides the first data on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among Algerian blood donors and the risk of its transmission by transfusion of blood components.

Serum folate status among blood donors in south-central China

Folate deficiency has been confirmed to be related to various diseases. Unfortunately, there are few reports on the folate status of Chinese adults. This study aims to evaluate the serum folate status of blood donors in south-central China. In this study, 248 blood donors were included. The information on subjects was collected by a brief questionnaire concerning alcohol consumption habits, smoking habits, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity. The serum folate concentration was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The geometric mean serum folate concentration was 13.4[Formula: see text]nmol[Formula: see text]l[Formula: see text] (95% CI, 12.7–14.1). The prevalence of serum folate concentrations below 6.8[Formula: see text]nmol[Formula: see text]l[Formula: see text] was 5.2% (95% CI, 2.5–8.0). There were significant differences in serum folate concentrations with respect to sex (p-values &lt; 0.05), age (p-values &lt; 0.05), fruit and vegetable consumption (p-values &lt; 0.05), and alcohol consumption habits (p-values &lt; 0.05). The concentration of serum folate increased with age (p-values &lt; 0.05) and fruit and vegetable consumption (p-values &lt; 0.05). Individuals with an age of 30 years or younger were nearly 3.5 times as likely as those aged over 30 years to have an insufficient level of serum folate (OR = 3.48; 95% CI: 1.01–11.99). An age of 30 years or younger was a risk factor for folate deficiency. Most blood donors had sufficient serum folate concentrations in south-central China. National surveys of folate status should be implemented in China.

Effects of repeated blood donation on iron status of blood donors in Zimbabwe: A cross-sectional study.

IntroductionIron deficiency is a major complication of repeated blood donation. However, most of the blood screening methods employed by blood collection agents do not include iron status markers, leading to possible subclinical iron deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated blood donation on the iron status of this vulnerable population in Zimbabwe.MethodsAll donors were categorized into groups based on number of donations made in the previous 2‐year period prior to enrolment into the study. Serum iron, total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin were analyzed on automated chemistry analyzers while transferrin saturation (TSAT) was calculated. The Wilcoxon rank‐sum and ANOVA tests were used to assess the variation of iron profiles by gender and frequency of donations. All data analysis was performed using Stata software v13.ResultsStudy participants included 170 repeat donors and 20 first‐time blood donors. The median (IQR) age was 23 (19‐27) years, while the majority were males 57% (n = 109/190). The overall prevalence of iron deficiency and reduced iron stores was 12.6% and 38.9%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between males and females in all the iron status parameters (P < .05). TIBC increased with number of donations, while iron, ferritin, and TSAT decreased with increased number of donations.ConclusionA high proportion of blood donors had iron deficiency despite being eligible to donate. Repeated blood donation may lead to substantial reduction in iron stores among blood donors. Inclusion of iron biochemical markers may enhance proper screening and monitoring of blood donors in Zimbabwe to prevent development of iron deficiency anemia.

Prevalence of sickle cell trait and its association to renal dysfunction among blood donors at University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Nigeria.

Prospective blood donors are routinely screened for blood borne infections but medical illnesses and haemoglobin genotype are overlooked despite a high prevalence of haemoglobin AS among Nigerian donors. To determine the prevalence of haemoglobin AS and its association to renal function, if any. Apparently healthy donors were studied between February and December 2018. Their haemoglobin genotype and, estimated glomerular filtration rates were determined. There were 96 males (94.1%) and 6 (5.9%) females with mean age of 26.7±4.5 years (range 19-44 years) and mean eGFR of 103.97±19.00ml/min/1.73m2. Eighty one (79.4%) and 21 (20.6%) subjects had haemoglobin AA and AS genotypes respectively. The mean eGFR for subjects with haemoglobin AA and AS were 105.2±18.6ml/min/1.73m2 and 99.9 ± 21.2ml/min/1.73m2 respectively (p value = 0.270). Eighty one (79.4%), 20 (19.6%) and 1 (1.0%) subjects had renal function at >90ml/min/1.73m2, 60-89ml/min/1.73m2 and 30-59ml/min/m2 respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean eGFR between subjects with haemoglobin AA and AS (mean difference 5.3, p = 0.265, 95%CI = -4.07 to 14.60). The prevalence of sickle cell trait among Nigerian blood donors is high. There is no significant difference in the renal function status of blood donors with SCT and normal haemoglobin genotype.

Knowledge Level, Motivators and Barriers of Blood Donation among Students at Qatar University.

In Qatar, one out of every ten patients admitted to the hospitals is in urgent need of a blood transfusion or blood products. The aims of this study are as follows: (1) to assess the level of awareness and knowledge about blood donation and (2) to identify the factors that contribute to the willingness to donate blood among young adults. A cross-sectional survey using a constructed questionnaire was conducted among students at Qatar University. A total of 590 responses were collected, out of which 423 were suitable for analysis. Only 72 out of 472 (15%) participants were blood donors. The chi-square test and t-test were then used to study the association of blood donation status with different factors. Significant values were considered to be p ≤ 0.5. Gender and age were found to be significantly associated with blood donation status, with a higher frequency of donation among males and adults above the age of 24 years old. On the other hand, the total knowledge score was found to not be significantly associated with blood donation status with a mean score of 60.5% for both groups (blood donors, non-blood donors). The most common motivators that encouraged blood donors were donating to help people, followed by having a blood mobile unit come to your place, whereas the most common barriers reported by non-blood donors were failing to meet the requirements, followed by “never having been asked to give blood”. This is the first study in Qatar to assess blood donation status. It provides insights that would help in developing effective strategies for the recruitment and retention of young adult blood donors in Qatar and countries with similar cultures. Raising awareness about blood donation, along with providing more mobile blood donation units at public places, will aid in increasing the frequency of blood donation among young adults.

Characterization of blood donors and non-blood donors in Germany using an online survey

Objectives of this study were to analyze characteristics influencing blood donation status, to identify anxieties and reasons for (non-)blood donation, and potential channels for future blood donation campaigns. A random population from Germany was interviewed using the online survey tool SoSci Survey. The access link to the questionnaire was distributed via snowball system and the Bavarian Red Cross. Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors influencing blood donation status. A total of 682 participants (27.3% blood donors) with a mean age of 33.4 and a standard deviation (SD) of 12.0 years were included into the analysis. Strongest factor associated with being blood donor was having a blood donor within family and friends (Odds ratio [OR]: 5.05 [95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.63; 9.70]; p≤0.001), whereas having anxiety related to blood donation was the strongest factor for being non-blood donor (OR: 0.11 [95% CI: 0.05; 0.21] p≤0.001). Other factors significantly influencing blood donor status were age, health-related quality of life, knowledge on blood donation, being an organ donor and having pre-conditions. Main anxieties avoiding blood donation were fear of physical consequences, and fear of the injection needle. Most frequently mentioned channels which should be used for blood donation campaigns were Instagram and free TV. Involving blood donors into campaigns to recruit new blood donors from their personal environment and to focus campaign content on physical benefits of blood donations might help to recruit new blood donors. In addition, running campaigns stronger on channels such as Instagram might increase their scope.

The Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Among Blood Donors Presenting to the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization in Sanandaj, Iran

Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is endemic in Iran. Detection of the seroprevalence of HAV is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of infection control strategies in the population. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HAV among blood donors as a representative sample of the general population. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 268 blood samples were randomly selected from donors, presenting to the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization in Sanandaj, Iran, in 2019. The collected sera were measured for anti-HAV antibodies (IgG and IgM), using ELISA assays. Also, demographic data, including age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, and blood donation status, were collected. The test results and demographic data were analyzed in STATA software. Results: The mean age of the blood donors was 37.79 ± 10.64 years, and 88.43% of them were male. Out of 268 blood samples, 218 (81.34%) were positive for anti-HAV antibodies. The antibody positivity was significantly correlated with age (P = 0.014) and marital status (P = 0.027). The majority of anti-HAV positive cases were found among farmers and ranchers (93.33%) (P = 0.045). Conclusions: A large proportion of blood donors had anti-HAV antibodies and were immune to HAV infection. Therefore, HAV was endemic in the study area.

Prevalence and Quantity of Parvovirus B19 DNA Among Blood Donors from a Regional Blood Center in Turkey

ObjectiveParvovirus B19 causes a range of diseases and morbidity in humans and is transmissible by transfusion of blood, blood components and plasma derivatives. The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence and quantity of B19 DNA among blood donors. Method: Totally 1053 samples were collected from March to July 2016 at a blood bank for detection of Parvovirus B19 DNA and serological status of blood donors. Testing of the presence of viral DNA was performed by a quantitative real-time PCR with a 101 copies/ml detection limit. All DNA positive and randomly selected 267 samples were tested for the presence of anti-B19 IgM and IgG by ELISA. ResultsAge distribution of donors was between 18-64; mean age was 27 and median was 23. Among the 1053 samples, 5 (0.47%) had PB19 DNA. All PB19 DNA positive donations had both B19 IgM and IgG antibodies. The DNA level for positive donations were between 0.9 × 102 to 3.1 × 104 copies/ml. IgG and IgM were present in 59.9% (160/267) and 0,74% (2/267) respectively among the healthy donors without PB19 DNA. ConclusionDetected DNA concentration was less than 105 copies/ml. The presence of IgM in low level PB19 DNA positive donors may indicate that there might be a risk in transmission of PB19 to particularly immunosuppressed recipients. The clinical follow-up of blood donation with low level of PB19DNA should be considered to answer the questions about blood safety.

The effect of donation activity dwarfs the effect of lifestyle, diet and targeted iron supplementation on blood donor iron stores.

The iron status of blood donors is a subject of concern for blood establishments. The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service addresses iron loss in blood donors by proposing systematic iron supplementation for demographic at-risk donor groups. We measured blood count, ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and acquired lifestyle and health information from 2200 blood donors of the FinDonor 10000 cohort. We used modern data analysis methods to estimate iron status and factors affecting it with a special focus on the effects of the blood service’s iron supplementation policy. Low ferritin (< 15 μg/L), an indicator of low iron stores, was present in 20.6% of pre-menopausal women, 10.6% of post-menopausal women and 6% of men. Anemia co-occurred with iron deficiency more frequently in pre-menopausal women (21 out of 25 cases) than in men (3/6) or post-menopausal women (1/2). In multivariable regression analyses, lifestyle, dietary, and blood donation factors explained up to 38% of the variance in ferritin levels but only ~10% of the variance in sTfR levels. Days since previous donation were positively associated with ferritin levels in all groups while the number of donations during the past 2 years was negatively associated with ferritin levels in pre-menopausal women and men. FRCBS-provided iron supplementation was negatively associated with ferritin levels in men only. Relative importance analyses showed that donation activity accounted for most of the explained variance in ferritin levels while iron supplementation explained less than 1%. Variation in ferritin levels was not significantly associated with variation in self-reported health. Donation activity was the most important factor affecting blood donor iron levels, far ahead of e.g. red-meat consumption or iron supplementation. Importantly, self-reported health of donors with lower iron stores was not lower than self-reported health of donors with higher iron stores.

The alteration of ferritin and transferrin saturation under body mass index and blood pressure in first-time and regular male blood donors in Taiwan.

Iron status, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) are all important health indicators. In this study, ferritin and transferrin saturation levels and their correlations with BMI and BP were investigated in first-time and regular male blood donors in Taiwan. Serum ferritin and transferrin saturation values represented iron status of blood donors. Serum ferritin, serum iron, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay sandwich method, timed-endpoint method, and turbidimetric method, respectively. Transferrin saturation was calculated as 100× serum iron/TIBC. Statistical analyses included 2-sample t test, chi-square test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression. Comparisons of ferritin and transferrin saturation mean values with BMI, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and occupation were conducted. A total of 111 first-time donors and 1249 regular blood donors participated in this study. The ferritin and transferrin saturation mean values of regular male blood donors were lower than those of first-time male blood donors, but remained within the safe range. BMI was positively correlated with serum log ferritin, but not with transferrin saturation value in first-time and regular blood donors. First-time donors with BMI ≥24 kg/m2 and aged more than 40 years demonstrated 1.37-fold higher serum ferritin on average. Among regular donors, significant effects of BMI ≥24 kg/m2 and age >40 years were observed with 1.25- and 1.18-fold higher serum ferritin levels, respectively. First-time donors with SBP ≥120/DBP ≥80, ≥120/<80, and <120/≥80 mm Hg had on average 1.65-, 1.54-, and 2.59-fold higher serum ferritin levels than those with normal BP. Ferritin level was higher in BMI ≥24 kg/m2 subgroup than in BMI <24 kg/m2 subgroup among first time and regular male donors, but no difference was found in transferrin saturation values.Abnormal SBP/DBP was associated with increased ferritin level only in first-time male blood donors.

ANALYSIS OF BASIC PROFILE OF BLOOD DONORS IN BLOOD BANK AT NORTH KASHMIR

Background: For the blood donation to be healthy and safe it is very important for the donor to be in good health. There is limited data regarding the profile of bloods donors in Kashmir. Our study was done to assess the demographic and health status of blood donors in north Kashmir&#x0D; Methods: A cross sectional study assessing the secondary data was done in blood bank associated with Government Medical college district Baramulla in North Kashmir.&#x0D; Results: A total of 364 donors were analysed. Majority were male voluntary donors. Maximum (31 .5 %) donors were O-positive followed by B-positive and A-positive blood groups. The mean age of the participants was 30.82 ±8.14 years. . The mean weight of the study population was 69.24 ±8.9274 kg .The mean Hb of the donors was 13.3 ±0.66 gm/dl.&#x0D; Conclusion: Voluntary donors which are considered to be the safest type of donors were the majority in our study. More than 90 % of the study population had haemoglobin values above 12gm/dl.