Donor protection: Iron supplementation for frequent blood donors in Korea.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral iron supplementation in frequent donors in Korea, based solely on donation history.

Study Design: The hemoglobin (Hb) level, ferritin level, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation of frequent donors at high risk for iron deficiency were compared to those of first donors. The frequent donors took iron supplements for 4 weeks and the same tests were repeated after 2 and 4 weeks to evaluate their effects.

Residual risk of transfusion-transmitted infection with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus in Korea from 2000 through 2010.

Background: Despite screening blood donations with advanced technologies and improved donor screening, the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections persists. This risk is mainly due to blood donations collected during the window period. A precise estimate of the transfusion risk of viral infection will help to determine the effect of new and current safety measures and to prioritize and allocate limited resources.