Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025
A Method for Screening and Validation of Resistant Mutations Against Kinase Inhibitors
Published on: December 7, 2014
JAK2-V617F mutation among blood donors: A meta-analysis
Mada H Alsharif1, Eman M Mansory1, Amjad A Alharazi1
1From the Department of Preventive Medicine (Alsharif, Alharazi), Directorate of Health Affairs; from the Hematology Department (Mansory, Badawi), Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University; and from the Hematology Research Unit (Mansory, Badawi), King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, and from the Blood Transfusion Services Unit (Badawi), King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The JAK2 mutation is found in 3% of blood donors, with higher prevalence in those with polycythemia. This highlights the need for updated donor screening guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Blood donors are typically healthy, but may harbor preclinical myeloproliferative neoplasms.
- Elevated hematocrit in donors warrants consideration for underlying conditions like polycythemia vera.
- Limited evidence exists for managing blood donors with potential myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the prevalence of the JAK2V617F (JAK2) mutation and polycythemia vera (PV) in blood donors.
- To focus on donors with elevated hematocrit and assess implications for blood donation.
- To inform potential management strategies for eligible blood donors.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of EMBASE and MEDLINE databases up to August 2023.
- Inclusion of studies reporting JAK2 mutation or PV prevalence in blood donors (sample size ≥20).
- Random effects model meta-analysis to estimate pooled prevalence; subgroup analysis for hematocrit levels.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies involving 1,999 blood donors were reviewed.
- Overall JAK2 mutation prevalence was 3% (95% CI 0.60-6.9%).
- Prevalence was higher in repeat donors with polycythemia (4.7%) compared to healthy donors (2.3%). PV prevalence analysis was limited.
Conclusions:
- JAK2 mutation prevalence in blood donors is comparable to the general population.
- Repeat donors with elevated hematocrit show a slightly higher JAK2 mutation rate.
- Further research is needed to define hemoglobin limits for blood donor deferral.
