Work

Blood donor iron status

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines the recent research on the prevalence, determinants and importance of low iron in blood donors, and on the efforts to reduce or prevent iron depletion in donor populations. RECENT FINDINGS: Female donors, especially younger women, are at highest risk for donation-induced low iron, but menopausal women and high-frequency donors of both sexes also face considerable risk for iron depletion. Predonation screening for hemoglobin contributes little information on donor iron status. Consumption of supplemental iron is helpful in preventing or reversing low iron, and waiting longer between donations also facilitates the recovery of the iron lost through donation. SUMMARY: Although the impact of phlebotomy-related iron depletion on donor health requires better documentation, measures are available now that can be deployed on a targeted or standardized basis. Blood centers, regulators, and donors should continue to evaluate different approaches for addressing this problem, with the likely outcome that no single measure is optimal for maintaining adequate collections while safeguarding donor health.

Source: Current Opinion in Hematology

DOI: 10.1097/moh.0b013e32836589f2

Author: Bryan Spencer

Institution: American Red Cross

Language: English

Topic: Blood donation and transfusion practices

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Public Health Service, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute