Response of Cellular Elements to Frequent Blood Donations among Male Subjects in Calabar, Nigeria

Abuse of blood donation is common in Calabar and Nigeria. Research on blood donors has focused on the erythrocyte and iron-related parameters, without considering the other cell lines of the donors. This study examined the effect of frequent blood donations on leucocytes and thrombocytes. One hundred and eighty four subjects aged 18-35 years were used for this study. The subjects were divided into 5 groups thus; 35 (19%) control group, 32 (17.4%) of first time donors, 35 (19%) of second time donors, 41 (22.3%) of third time donors and 41 (22.3%) of fourth time donors. Their full blood counts were evaluated using complete automated cell counter and values obtained were statistically analyzed. Results showed that 63% of the donors were commercial blood donors. Haematocrit (Hct) of first (41.9±0.66%), second (40.1±0.47%), third (39.1±0.54%) and fourth (33.3±0.56%) time male donors decreased progressively as number of times of donation increased, compared with control (43.9±0.55%). Total White Blood Cell (WBC) count significantly (p<0.001) decreased in first, third and fourth time donors, compared with control. Monocytes, granulocytes and platelet counts decreased progressively with repeated blood donations. Lymphocytes increased progressively following repeated blood donations. We therefore, conclude that, serial blood donation decreases Hct, WBC (monocyte and granulocyte) and platelet counts in males and increases lymphocyte count.