Pasricha et al evaluated a variety of laboratory tests that can be used to assess iron stores of a blood donor. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from iron therapy or temporary deferral. The authors are from the Australian Red Cross Blood Service in South Melbourne, Australia.
Patient selection: regular blood donor
Laboratory tests that may be considered:
(1) hemoglobin in g/L
(2) serum ferritin in ng/mL
(3) serum hepcidin
(4) soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)
(5) soluble transferrin receptor to ferritin ratio (sTfR-F)
soluble transferrin receptor to ferritin ratio =
= (soluble transferrin receptor) / (LN(ferritin))
Findings in patients who developed anemia by the next donation:
(1) lower hemoglobin (< 130 g/L)
(2) lower serum ferritin (< 15 ng/mL indicates depletion)
(3) lower serum hepcidin
(4) higher sTfR
(5) higher sTfR to ferritin ratio
Choi reported that sTfR is not sensitive for early or intermediate stages of iron deficiency but was useful to identify advanced iron deficiency.
Trending of the tests was not mentioned but could extrapolate to future events.
