International forum : an investigation of iron status in blood donors

Transfusion of blood components is an irreplaceable form of treatment for many patients1. However, besides providing sufficient amounts of blood components of excellent quality, blood transfusion services should protect the safety of blood donors. Numerous studies have proven that iron deficiency is common in frequent blood donors, particularly women2–5. Determination of the haemoglobin concentration is a routine part of the donor selection process both in order to ensure adequate quality of red cell concentrates collected and to protect the potential donor’s health. Indeed, low haemoglobin is globally the most common reason for deferral of prospective blood donors. Nevertheless, only cases of manifest low haemoglobin levels and imminent anaemia are detected using this approach. More sensitive tests are needed to assess depletion of iron stores, particularly in non-anaemic individuals, with ferritin measurements being used most frequently.