Evaluation of Iron Levels, Lead Concentration and Selected Haematological Parameters among Blood Donors in a Tertiary Healthcare Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State
Olatunde, L.A.S *
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Adesina, B.E.
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Repeated blood donation may reduce iron stores and increase lead exposure, yet their combined hematological effects remain understudied; this study evaluates these relationships among donors to inform evidence-based donor safety and monitoring.
Aim and Objectives: To determine serum iron and blood lead concentrations, describe hematological indices including hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, white blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and evaluate correlations between iron/lead and hematological parameters.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 175 consenting blood donors was conducted at University College Hospital. Approximately 10 milliliters of venous blood was collected; serum iron was measured using a ferrozine-based colorimetric method (TECO Diagnostics, Anaheim, California, USA), and blood lead was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Complete blood counts were performed using a Sysmex XN-1000 automated hematology analyzer. Data analysis utilized Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20, including t-tests, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.
Results: Mean blood lead concentrations were 7.7 ± 4.7 micrograms per deciliter in occasional donors and 9.5 ± 4.0 micrograms per deciliter in frequent donors (p = 0.143). Mean serum iron was 111.9 ± 24.9 micrograms per deciliter in occasional donors and 104.1 ± 20.8 micrograms per deciliter in frequent donors (p = 0.204). Hematological parameters (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, white blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin) were within normal clinical ranges, with no significant differences between occasional and frequent donors. Pearson correlations showed no significant relationships between blood lead or serum iron and hematological indices (all p > 0.05). A slight trend toward lower serum iron in frequent donors was observed but was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Voluntary blood donation at University College Hospital was not associated with toxic blood lead accumulation or clinically significant hematological impairment. However, trends toward lower serum iron in frequent donors highlight the importance of routine monitoring of iron status, dietary counseling, and donor education to protect donor health.
Keywords: Blood donors, blood lead, hematological parameters, serum iron