ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We performed a prospective analysis of iron status in plateletpheresis donors, using whole blood donors as a control group, to assess the haematinic effects of regular anti-coagulated extracorporeal circulation and platelet collection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ferritin levels were measured in samples from 31 regular male plateletpheresis donors and from 14 first time male whole blood donors, immediately before and immediately after donation, and immediately before the next donation. An additional 33 regular male plateletpheresis donors and 17 first time male whole blood donors had serum ferritin levels checked predonation. RESULTS: Male plateletpheresis donors had a statistically significant fall in serum ferritin after donation (P = 0.005)*. In addition, male platelet donors had significantly lower serum ferritin levels than first time male blood donors: ferritin <20 µg/L was found in 6/64 (9%) of regular platelet donors and 1/31 (3%) of first time blood donors (P < 0.001)*. DISCUSSION: Our studies support the value of serum ferritin measurement in apheresis donor management.