Iron status and risk factors for iron depletion in a racially/ethnically diverse blood donor population

Abstract

I ron depletion (ID) is common in blood donors, with estimated prevalence of intermediate ID (ferritin <26 ng/mL) of 33% to 40% in United States and Canadian donors. 1,2 Other jurisdictions have also found high rates of ID in their donor populations. [3][4][5] No US blood center uniformly tests the iron status of all donors and little systematic testing is performed elsewhere, 6,7 but donor age, sex, and donation frequency are routinely documented risk factors for ID. [2][3][4][5][8][9][10][11] Iron deficiency, particularly with concurrent anemia, has been associated with a number of adverse outcomes, including cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, decreased exercise endurance, pica, and pregnancy-related complications. 12 This study identifies similarities and ABBREVIATIONS: AIS = absent iron stores; ID = iron depletion; LF = low ferritin; NHW = non-Hispanic white.

Genetic and behavioral modification of hemoglobin and iron status among first‐time and high‐intensity blood donors

“…Definitive conclusions cannot be made, however, as the data are limited by the accuracy of self‐reported iron use. Regardless of the dosing frequency, essentially all donors will benefit from oral iron supplements . It is important to emphasize iron is most effective in the 4 to 8 weeks immediately following donation, when its absorption is greatest …”

“…Regardless of the dosing frequency, essentially all donors will benefit from oral iron supplements. 33,34 It is important to emphasize iron is most effective in the 4 to 8 weeks immediately following donation, when its absorption is greatest. 35 Cigarette smoking is associated with increased hemoglobin in the general public, 36 first-time blood donors, 37 and high-intensity blood donors.…”

Prevalence, risk factors, and ferritin testing to mitigate iron depletion in male plateletpheresis donors

“…Iron depletion is common in blood donors, with estimated prevalence of low ferritin (LF; ≤26 ng/mL) ranging from 33% to 40% in US and Canadian donors subject to similar eligibility criteria . Other countries have also documented frequent iron depletion, and risk factors reported from most studies include young donor age, female sex, and regular blood donation .…”

“…I ron depletion is common in blood donors, with estimated prevalence of low ferritin (LF; ≤26 ng/mL) ranging from 33% to 40% in US and Canadian donors subject to similar eligibility criteria. [1][2][3] Other countries have also documented frequent iron depletion, 4,5 and risk factors reported from most studies include young donor age, female sex, and regular blood donation. [2][3][4][6][7][8][9] Though regulatory interest and communications from the AABB (providing blood collector accreditation in the United States and internationally) have focused on whole blood donors, 10,11 a number of recent, mostly pilot studies have shown plateletpheresis donors to have elevated risk for iron depletion.…”

“…[1][2][3] Other countries have also documented frequent iron depletion, 4,5 and risk factors reported from most studies include young donor age, female sex, and regular blood donation. [2][3][4][6][7][8][9] Though regulatory interest and communications from the AABB (providing blood collector accreditation in the United States and internationally) have focused on whole blood donors, 10,11 a number of recent, mostly pilot studies have shown plateletpheresis donors to have elevated risk for iron depletion. 4,[12][13][14][15][16] There are multiple reasons why plateletpheresis donors could have an appreciable risk for iron depletion.…”