(P-BB-68) Reference Ranges for Complete Blood Count in Platelet Apheresis Donors at an Intermediate Altitude

Background/Case Studies: Blood donors are apparently healthy and selected based on strict criteria. For apheresis donation, it is required that the complete blood count is within normal ranges. However, in many cases, there are no specific reference values for blood donors. Also, altitude significantly influences red blood cell values. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the reference ranges for complete blood count in platelet apheresis donors at an intermediate altitude.

Study

Design/Methods: A descriptive study was conducted with 2,808 platelet donations received between December 2021 and January 2023 in a regional blood bank located at an intermediate altitude. The data on age, sex, donations quantity per donor, and complete blood count performed before the donation (Auto Hematology Analyzer BC-30s, Mindray) were analyzed. Extreme data beyond ±3z-scores were excluded, corresponding to an inclusion range between 0.135 to 99.865 percentiles. Reference ranges were determined as the 3rd to 97th percentile, using the LMS method assuming a normal Box-Cox normal distribution, which provides adjustment for skewed data (RefCurv v0.4.2 package). Comparisons between females and males were conducted through the T-test (IBM SPSS v26).

Results/Findings: The analyzed sample included 2,808 platelet donations from 1,660 donors. Un total de 1,059/2,808 (37.7%) donations were from females, and 1,749/2,808 (62.3%) donations were from males. Among females, 76.6% donated once in 13 months, averaging 1.53 donations/donor (range 1-13). Among males, 70.8% donated once in 13 months, with an average of 1.80 donations/donor (range 1-13). The reference ranges for complete blood count are presented as median (3rd percentile-97th percentile) according to sex and age (Table 1). A decrease in total white blood cells and platelet counts was observed in females according to age. A reduction in total white blood cell count, lymphocyte percentage, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and platelet count was observed in males according to age, along with an increase in granulocyte percentage and mean corpuscular volume. In addition, significant differences were observed between females and males in total white blood cell count, lymphocyte, and granulocyte percentage, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, erythrocytic indices, and platelet count (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The reference ranges for complete blood count in platelet donors at an intermediate altitude were estimated using the LMS method and differed from the reference values used for the general population and at sea level. Changes in hematological variables were observed according to age and sex.

Importance of research: Selection criteria for apheresis donors include normal values in complete blood count. However, in many cases, there are no specific reference values for blood donors. The reference ranges for complete hemogram in platelet apheresis donors at an intermediate altitude (n=2,808) were established by using the LMS method. The observed reference values differed from those used for the general population and at sea level, and changes in hematological variables were observed according to age and sex.