Erythrocyte indices — markers for the diagnosis of blood iron deficiency in donors

Blood donors have a high prevalence of iron deficiency. Objective. To evaluate using some indices to diagnose iron deficiency in donors’ blood. Materials and methods. Whole blood donors were included in the study. Additional erythrocyte indices were measured in them, which are used primarily in scientific research and represent promising indicators for verifying iron deficiency, such as low hemoglobin content (LHC), microcytic anemia factor (MAF), erythrocyte size factor, and serum ferritin level. The control group included first-time blood donors (primary donors). ROC analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic value of erythrocyte indices. Results. Significant differences were found for all laboratory tests. Iron deficiency was detected in 52% of donors, and the median serum ferritin level was 18.6 ng/mL. When determining the diagnostic value of erythrocyte indices, the threshold value for LHC was 2.95% and 12.5 for the MAF index; both had a high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion. Erythrocyte indices are informative parameters in the early diagnosis of iron deficiency in blood donors.