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Department for Blood-Borne Disease Testing, Blood Transfusion Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Department for Blood-Borne Disease Testing, Blood Transfusion Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Aim
To present haemoglobin and ferritin parameters in donors to highlight the importance of serum ferritin testing for the purpose of evaluating iron depots in order to make recommendations for preserving a population of blood donors.
Method
A prospective study was conducted on 80 blood donors divided in two groups: group I (regular donors, n =40) and group II
(irregular donors, n=40). Haemoglobin and ferritin were measured twice every 45 days, before two consecutive blood donations.
Results
By measuring haemoglobin and ferritin values before donation in both groups, a decrease of initial ferritin value in Group I
relative to Group II was observed (without statistical significance). A significant decrease was found between repeated measurements for both parameters in both groups, indicating equal intensity of the decline in value regardless of a donor status. Measurement of ferritin before and after donation revealed statistically significant loss of ferritin in all examinees (p=0.011). The decline in haemoglobin after donation, although significant, did not fall below the reference value for donation in either women or men.
Conclusion
Results indicate the need for periodic monitoring of the plasma value of ferritin in voluntary donors who donate blood
more than twice a year and the possible oral supplementation with iron.
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