Oral or parenteral iron supplementation to reduce deferral, iron deficiency and/or anaemia in blood donors

GA Smith, SA Fisher, C Doree… - Cochrane Database …, 2014 - cochranelibrary.com
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014cochranelibrary.com
Background Iron deficiency is a significant cause of deferral in people wishing to donate
blood. If iron removed from the body through blood donation is not replaced, then donors
may become iron deficient. All donors are screened at each visit for low haemoglobin (Hb)
levels. However, some deferred blood donors do not return to donate. Deferred first‐time
donors are even less likely to return. Interventions that reduce the risk of provoking iron
deficiency and anaemia in blood donors will therefore increase the number of blood …
Background
Iron deficiency is a significant cause of deferral in people wishing to donate blood. If iron removed from the body through blood donation is not replaced, then donors may become iron deficient. All donors are screened at each visit for low haemoglobin (Hb) levels. However, some deferred blood donors do not return to donate. Deferred first‐time donors are even less likely to return. Interventions that reduce the risk of provoking iron deficiency and anaemia in blood donors will therefore increase the number of blood donations. Currently, iron supplementation for blood donors is not a standard of care in many blood services. A systematic review is required to answer specific questions regarding the efficacy and safety of iron supplementation in blood donors.
Objectives
To assess the efficacy and safety of iron supplementation to reduce deferral, iron deficiency and/or anaemia in blood donors.
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