ISSN 2997-1036
International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 10, No. 2, February 2019 | pp. 9–16
DOI: 10.46882/2019/IJH/000110
Short Communication
Title: Evaluation of automated microcytic cell screening formulas in predicting latent iron deficiency in high-yield 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 deplete storage iron pools, often inducing pre-anemic iron deficiency before total hemoglobin screening tests fall below acceptable donation 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 male 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 25 ng/ml, was confirmed in 22.5% (27 of 120) of the blood donor cohort. The Green and King formula achieved an isolated sensitivity of 88.8% and a positive predictive value of 75.0% 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 improve donor safety.
Keywords: Blood donors, latent iron deficiency, Mentzer index, Green and King formula, donor selection
Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 18, 2018; Revised: December 22, 2018; Accepted: January 12, 2019; Published: February 15, 2019