Effects of Blood Donations on Haemorheology: A study on Blood Donors in Wurno Maternity Clinic, Babaldu

Abstract

Individuals donate blood for altruistic reasons or to their patients which are either their relatives or friends. Donation may be whole or part of blood by apheresis donation. The knowledge of the benefit or side effects of blood donation is paramount to blood donors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible benefit or side effects on blood donors through haemorheological indices. Blood sample of 116 apparently healthy, non-smoking, non-alcoholic, HIV 1 and 2, HCV, HBsAg  and syphilis negative  male blood donors aged 25 to 40 years with mean age 32 ± 8 years was studied. All the blood donors passed the minimum criteria for blood donation. Among the one hundred and sixteen whole blood donors, about 95% showed a significant decrease in relative plasma viscosity from the first day after blood donation throughout to the 7th day of post donation (p < 0.05). The haematocrit value also decreases after the donation. Blood donation is an excellent way to reduce the viscosity of blood which can be beneficial for the circulatory system by reducing the risk of heart disease.