ISSN 2997-1036
International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 16, No. 12, December 2025 | pp. 89–96
DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJH/000190
Short Communication
Title: Evaluation of automated microcytic cell mathematical indices in predicting latent iron deficiency in volunteer multi-donation adolescent female blood donors
Names of Authors: B. C. Akpan¹, D. E. Usman²
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; ²Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Abstract: Frequent blood donations in childbearing adolescent cohorts deplete biological iron pools, often inducing latent iron deficiency before total hemoglobin screening tests fall below acceptable thresholds. This diagnostic study evaluated the predictive performance of the Mentzer index and the Green and King mathematical cell counter formulas for identifying latent iron depletion in 120 regular adolescent female blood donors presenting with normal total hemoglobin levels (≥ 12.5 g/dl). Calculated indices were cross-validated against biochemical serum ferritin reference parameters. Latent iron deficiency, defined by a serum ferritin below 20 ng/ml, was confirmed in 24.1% (29 of 120) of the donor cohort. The Green and King formula achieved an isolated sensitivity of 89.6% and a positive predictive value of 76.1% for predicting depleted iron reserves, significantly outperforming the Mentzer index model (P < 0.05). Utilizing automated cell counter mathematical formulas offers an efficient, low-cost screening protocol to detect latent iron-restricted erythropoiesis and preserve donor safety.
Keywords: Blood donors, latent iron deficiency, Mentzer index, Green and King formula, donor selection
Manuscript Timeline: Received: September 15, 2025; Revised: October 22, 2025; Accepted: November 10, 2025; Published: December 14, 2025