EFFECT OF FREQUENT BLOOD DONATION ON IRON STATUS OF BLOOD DONORS IN BURDWAN, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Abstract

Background: Anaemia was reported as one of the most important reasons for blood donor deferral and very frequent blood donation will have a negative impact on the health of the donor and quality of donated blood products. Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of frequency of blood donation on iron stores of the donors. Method: The study population were divided into five groups. Forty one were first time (control group), Thirty-eight were 50 time blood donors. Pre-donation blood haemoglobin and serum ferritin assessment was done in each individual. Result: Serum ferritin of <10 times/4years were not significantly reduced than first time healthy donors but >10 times/4years donors onwards iron status were significantly reduced (p>0.001) progressively as frequency of donation increased and individuals potentially at risk for developing iron deficiency. Conclusion: It is the conclusion of this study that increased frequency of blood donation reduced the iron stores of donors. Therefore, volunteers who undergo repeated blood donation and professional donors should be advised on eating balanced diet as well as receive nutritional care especially in terms of iron supplementation.