ISSN 2997-1036
International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 8, No. 6, June 2017 | pp. 41–48
DOI: 10.46882/2017/IJH/000090
Short Communication
Title: Evaluation of automated microcytic hypochromic cell flag accuracy in detecting latent iron deficiency in volunteer 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 donor iron reserves, often inducing latent iron deficiency before manifesting as a drop in total hemoglobin screening tests. This diagnostic study evaluated the accuracy and predictive value of an automated microcytic hypochromic cell flag, derived from an automated five-part differential cell counter, for detecting pre-anemic iron depletion in 120 regular blood donors with qualifying hemoglobin counts (≥ 12.5 g/dl). Automated flag metrics were validated against biochemical serum ferritin panels. Latent iron deficiency, defined by a serum ferritin below 20 ng/ml, was confirmed in 20.8% (25 of 120) of the donors. The automated microcytic hypochromic flag achieved a sensitivity of 84.0% and a positive predictive value of 72.4% for identifying donors with depleted iron reserves. Incorporating these cell counter algorithmic flags into routine pre-donation assessments offers an efficient and low-cost tool to monitor iron-restricted erythropoiesis and preserve blood donor safety.
Keywords: Blood donors, latent iron deficiency, automated cell counter, flagging efficiency, serum ferritin
Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 20, 2017; Revised: April 26, 2017; Accepted: May 15, 2017; Published: June 18, 2017