Changes of Hemoglobin and Serum Ferritin Levels in Whole Blood Donations

Oh, Deok Ja; Kim, Myoung Hee

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The peripheral blood hemoglobin and serum ferritin were analyzed in 30 consecutive repeat blood donors (28 men, 2 women; mean +/- SD age: 28.0 +/- 8.6 years: median number of donation 12.9 +/- 9.5) to evaluate the influence of the whole blood donation. 16 beginners in the blood donation were used for normal control (12 men, 4 women; 27.5 +/- 7.5years). METHOD: The repeat donors were grouped into the interval and frequency of donation. At the time of donation, blood samples were collected from all for research. Hemograms were performed using an automatic cell counter and enzyme immunoassay were used for the serum ferritin determination. Total protein and albumin were determined with an autoanalyzer. RESLUTS: The levels of the peripheral blood hemoglobin of the repeat donors were within normal limits and the median level was not significantly differentiated between the tested groups and normal control group. The median level of serum ferritin of the repeat donors was 32.19 +/- 22.82ng/mL, which was significantly low compared to the level of the normal control (62.10 +/- 25.67ng/mL, n=16)and was correlated with the interval and frequency of donation. The donors having short intervals less than 4 month reveal low ferritin level compared to other tested groups even though it was not significant. However the frequency of donation influenced significantly the level of serum ferritin. The median level of serum ferritin of the W/B donors having frequency of donation more often than 5 times was 30.64 +/- 16.22ng/mL, significantly lower than that of other tested groups and normal control (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The Interval and frequency of blood donation seem to be very important factors that act upon nutiritional status of consecutive repeat donors. Especially consecutive, frequent donation of W/B must be deplet the storage iron in the body. Therefore the interval and frequency of donation must be adjustified and must be permitted in proper manner for korean blood donors. Test items such as hemoglobin and serum ferritin seem to be essential for repeat donors at the time of donation. Also if we can, oral iron supplement could be recommended for the repeat donors in proper time to prevent iron depletion.