Abstract: Objective To investigate the iron reserve levels and red blood cell-related parameters in apheresis platelet donors in Jinan, and provide a basis for improving donor health management. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled voluntary apheresis platelet donors at our center from July 2023 to July 2024. Donors were stratified by sex, donation frequency, and donation interval. Serum ferritin (SF), blood cell counts (Hb, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) were measured. Iron deficiency rate and its influencing factors were analyzed. Results In male donors, SF levels decreased with higher annual donation frequency and shorter donation intervals, while the low SF rate increased accordingly. Compared with the control group, donors with≥7 annual donations and those with donation intervals≤45 days showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). In female donors, SF levels also tended to decrease and low SF rate increased with more donations, but only the group with≥7 annual donations showed a statistically significant difference compared with the control group (P<0.05). Certain indicators among Hb, MCV, MCH, and MCHC showed statistical differences across male donors with different donation frequencies and intervals, while no significant differences were observed in female donors. However, median values of all groups remained within normal reference ranges. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that SF levels were positively correlated with age (r=0.076,P<0.05), body mass index (r=0.205, P<0.05), and Hb (r=0.124, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with donation frequency (1~6 times: r=-0.151, P<0.05; 7~12 times: r=-0.316, P<0.05; 13~18 times: r=-0.381, P<0.05; 19~24 times: r=-0.364,P<0.05). Additionally, SF was negatively correlated with female sex (r=-0.156, P<0.05). Conclusion Iron reserves in male apheresis platelet donors decrease significantly with higher donation frequency and shorter donation intervals. The current Hb-based screening criterion is insufficient for early detection of iron deficiency. Although a similar trend was observed in female donors, some differences did not reach statistical significance, requiring further validation with larger sample sizes. Diversified studies are warranted on the iron nutritional status of apheresis platelet donors using novel technologies, thus establishing a dynamic SF monitoring model, and individualizing iron supplementation guidance to safeguard donor health.

Key words: Voluntary apheresis platelet donor, Ferritin, Iron store, Donation frequency