Serum Ferritin Levels in Male Blood Donors

Abstract

Serum ferritin estimation is a reliable test for Fe deficiency. Such estimations were made in groups of male blood donors with a varying number of previous phlebotomies and a mean interval between donations of 9.9 .+-. 1.7 SD wk. The mean ferritin level was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in the blood donors than in non-donors. After 6-8 phlebotomies, it was about 40% lower. Subnormal ferritin values were found in 10% of the donors, almost exclusively among those who had taken < 1,000 mg of Fe supplementation since the last donation. With a donation interval of about 10 wk, there is a considerable risk for Fe deficiency after about 6 donations. This risk is far less if > 1000 mg of Fe supplementation is taken between phlebotomies. A role for serum ferritin estimation in monitoring donation intervals and/or Fe therapy is suggested.