Assessing iron depletion in regular platelet apheresis donors: A comparison of reticulocyte haemoglobin and serum ferritin
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00429007
eISSN
14230410
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105000979986
Journal Title
Vox Sanguinis
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Vox Sanguinis (2025)
Suggested Citation
Nakdee P., Warindpong T., Virat S., Permpikul P., Kittivorapart J. Assessing iron depletion in regular platelet apheresis donors: A comparison of reticulocyte haemoglobin and serum ferritin. Vox Sanguinis (2025). doi:10.1111/vox.70023 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/109306
Title
Assessing iron depletion in regular platelet apheresis donors: A comparison of reticulocyte haemoglobin and serum ferritin
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Frequent platelet apheresis donations can lead to iron depletion. Serum ferritin is traditionally measured to assess iron status in donors. Reticulocyte haemoglobin (RET-He) has emerged as a rapid, convenient and cost-effective alternative. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of iron depletion among regular platelet apheresis donors and to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of RET-He compared to serum ferritin in diagnosing iron depletion. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 100 healthy, regular platelet apheresis donors aged 18–60 years who donated at least once a month. RET-He, serum ferritin and complete blood count results were analysed. The sensitivity and specificity of RET-He were calculated against serum ferritin. Results: Of the 100 donors, 13.00% (13 out of 100 donors) had serum ferritin levels <15 ng/mL, indicating iron depletion. RET-He showed a sensitivity of 76.92% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 46.19%–94.96%) and specificity of 44.83% (95% CI: 34.15%–55.87%) in detecting iron depletion. Significant differences in RET-He levels, donation frequency, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count and red cell distribution width were detected between the iron-depleted and non-iron-depleted groups (p = 0.045, 0.032, 0.053, 0.026, 0.069 and 0.027, respectively). Conclusion: Frequent platelet donations increase the risk of iron depletion; therefore, iron supplementation is recommended for regular donors. While RET-He testing is convenient, cost effective and fast, it cannot replace serum ferritin testing because of insufficient sensitivity and specificity.