Storage-related Haematological and Biochemical Changes in Sickle Cell Trait Donor Blood at Kisumu Regional Blood Transfusion Centre, Kenya

Background: Sickle cell trait (HbAS) donor blood, akin to normal hemoglobin (HbAA) blood, undergoes storage-induced hematological and biochemical changes that may impact its efficacy, safety, and viability. Detailed characterization of these changes in HbAS donors’ blood remains scarce. This study aimed to elucidate the storage-related hematological and biochemical changes in HbAS compared to HbAA donor blood.

Methods: The study used a prospective, laboratory-based experimental design. Sterile CPDA-anticoagulated blood (150 mL) was drawn into sample pouches attached to the main donor blood bags. Thirty units of HbAS and HbAA donor blood were analyzed for haematological and biochemical parameters. Assays for various parameters were performed at baseline and weekly intervals for four weeks. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS and R software, with one-way ANOVA applied to detect statistical differences. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Both sickle cell trait negative (HbAA) and positive (HbAS) donor blood showed notable changes. In HbAA blood, hemoglobin increased from 15.13 g/dL to 15.67 g/dL, hematocrit rose from 37.94% to 41.82%, hemolysis reached 0.54%, and platelet count dropped from 223.45 x 10⁹/L to 127.13 x 10⁹/L. For HbAS blood, hemoglobin rose from 13.78 g/dL to 15.12 g/dL, hematocrit increased from 40.98% to 45.07%, hemolysis hit 0.78%, and platelets dropped to 99.07 x 10⁹/L. LDH, potassium, and plasma bilirubin levels increased more sharply in HbAS blood than HbAA.

Conclusion: HbAS donor blood exhibits higher % hemolysis, more significant declines in RBC, PLT, and TWBC counts, and greater cellular degradation compared to HbAA donor blood.