Iron stores in autologous blood donors.

ABSTRACT

Depletion of body iron stores is a major factor limiting regular blood donation in volunteer donors. Autologous blood donors are requested to donate more frequently. To determine iron stores in autologous donors, 9 men and 10 women studied gave a total of 24 donations before their elective surgery (range 1-2 donations). All donors were tested for serum ferritin (SF) and hemoglobin (Hb) level. Iron supplements were taken by 88.89 per cent of men and 90 per cent of women. Mean SF before donations was 147.75 ng/mL in men and 53.19 ng/mL in women. After donations, mean SF decreased to 124.26 ng/mL in men and 38.81 ng/mL in women. None of them had depleted iron stores (SF < or = 15 ng/mL). In conclusion, iron supplementation was beneficial in maintaining body iron stores in autologous blood donors.