Hemoglobin and iron indices in nonanemic premenopausal blood donors predict future deferral from whole blood donation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia is an important reason for blood donor deferral. We prospectively determined whether screening donors with hemoglobin (Hb) and iron indices before donation can predict subsequent deferral due to anemia. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We recruited premenopausal, eligible (nonanemic) female donors. Hb, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and hepcidin were measured, and the sTfR/(log)ferritin (sTfR-F) index was calculated. After 6 months, the donor database was reviewed and whether donors had returned and undergone successful donation was recorded. RESULTS: Of donors, 59 of 261(22.6%) were iron depleted (ferritin < 15 ng/mL). Iron-depleted donors had don..