Comparative Analysis of Red Blood Cell Parameters in First-Time and Repeated Blood Donors

Dr. Karthik Balaji, Dr. Bheem Singh Meena, Dr. Syed Shabaz

Abstract: Background: Repeated blood donation results in loss of iron and may predispose donors to iron deficiency anemia. Routine donor screening is mainly based on hemoglobin estimation, which may not detect early iron depletion. Aim: To compare red blood cell parameters and iron status in first-time and repeated blood donors. Materials and Methods: A prospective analytical study was conducted on 200 healthy male blood donors categorized into first-time donors (n=125) and repeated donors donating two, three, or four times (n=25 each). Complete blood count parameters and serum ferritin levels were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Results: Hemoglobin levels showed a mild decline with increasing donation frequency but remained within acceptable limits. Serum ferritin levels showed a statistically significant reduction in repeated donors, with the lowest levels observed in four-time donors (p<0.001). Other red blood cell indices such as RBC count, MCV, RDW, and MCHC did not show significant variation. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin showed a significant increase in frequent donors. Conclusion: Repeated blood donation leads to significant iron store depletion despite normal hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin alone is insufficient to detect early iron deficiency. Monitoring iron stores is essential to ensure donor safety.

Keywords: Blood donors, Hemoglobin, Red blood cell indices, Serum ferritin, Iron deficiency

How to Cite?: Dr. Karthik Balaji, Dr. Bheem Singh Meena, Dr. Syed Shabaz, "Comparative Analysis of Red Blood Cell Parameters in First-Time and Repeated Blood Donors", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2360-2362, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251231103555, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251231103555