Investigating the influence of iron parameters in regulating platelet recovery in Apheresis Platelet Donors

Introduction: The present study investigates changes in haematological parameters in the donor during apheresis and following donation. Effect of iron parameters in influencing platelet recovery was studied. Methods: Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes for analyses of haematological parameters. Serum samples were isolated for estimation of iron parameters. Results: Hb, RBC count and Hct increased during apheresis, but no significant changes were observed after 48 hrs post donation. Platelet recovery rates increased from 78 % after 48 hours to > 100% on day 10 (p < 0.001). Ferritin, serum iron & Transferrin saturation initially increased and subsequently declined from day 7 post donation, which may influence platelet recovery. Recovery rates were also higher in donors with lower iron stores. Conclusions: Changes in haematological parameters during plateletpheresis are transient and optimal time required for platelet recovery is dependent on pre-donation counts. Recovery of platelet counts may be positively regulated by donor iron parameters.