Hemoglobin phenotypic variations among voluntary blood donors in Bangladesh: A Study on genetic screening for safe blood transfusion

Background: Blood donation is a critical component of healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in regions with endemic diseases like malaria. Hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell trait (HbAS) and other variants like HbAC, can influence the safety of blood donations, particularly in malaria-endemic areas. Understanding the hemoglobin profiles of voluntary blood donors is essential for ensuring safe blood transfusions. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the demographic characteristics and hemoglobin phenotypes of voluntary blood donors at LSBTS, Bangladesh, with a focus on their potential impact on transfusion safety. Methods: A total of 300 voluntary blood donors were included in the study. Demographic data including age, gender, occupation, and marital status were collected. Hemoglobin phenotypes were assessed using standard hematological methods. Donor history, including frequency of previous donations and the most recent donation year, was also recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify trends and associations. Results: Most participants (80%) exhibited the normal hemoglobin phenotype (HbAA), followed by 18% with the sickle cell trait (HbAS) and 2% with other variants (HbAC). The donor population was predominantly male (70%) and largely aged between 26 and 45 years (68%). A significant proportion (62%) were repeat donors, with 70% having donated blood in 2023. Weight distribution and hemoglobin levels showed no significant association with hemoglobin phenotypes, indicating consistent donor health across groups. These findings suggest a stable donor pool with diverse hemoglobin profiles, underscoring the importance of ongoing screening and monitoring to maintain transfusion safety. Conclusion: This study highlights the predominance of HbAA among voluntary blood donors in Bangladesh, suggesting that the majority of blood donations are likely to be safe for transfusion. However, the presence of HbAS and HbAC in the donor population underscores the importance of comprehensive pre-donation screening, particularly in malaria-endemic regions. Health promotion efforts should focus on enhancing donor recruitment and retention, with targeted campaigns for younger and male populations, as well as healthcare workers.