Iron status and risk-profiling for deficiency in New Zealand blood donors

To assess the iron status of New Zealand blood donors using the serum ferritin (ferritin) assay and the impact of gender, age, and donation history on iron status.

Ferritin levels were measured in 5006 subjects attending two New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) blood donor sites between October and December 2006. The influence of three major determinants of iron status (gender, age, and blood donation history) in the previous 12 months was assessed.

Ferritin levels tended to be lower in younger people, females, and those with more intensive blood donation history. Levels lower than 12 mcg/L were found in 14.1% of subjects overall, 19.9% of females, 19.0 % of those aged under 20 years, and 25.1% of those who had donated 3-4 whole blood units during the previous 12 months had ferritin levels lower than 12 mcg/L. Risks were additive and total risk correlated inversely with ferritin levels.

Iron deficiency is a significant problem in New Zealand blood donors. Prevention or treatment, as appropriate, would help both donors and the long-term supply of blood. A stratified approach to testing, prevention and treatment taking into account risk factors, ferritin and Hb levels is likely to be the most effective strategy.