Blood storage impacts on the hematological indices of healthy subjects and patients with iron-deficiency anemia and beta-thalassemia – A comparative study

Background: There are scientific evidence confirmed specific changes in blood cell counts, reducing the efficacy and feasibly the safeness of blood transmission when storing blood at 4°C for 5 weeks or more.Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the effects of stored blood obtained from healthy subjects and patients with anemia due to iron deficiency and beta-thalassemia, on hematological indices.Materials and Methods: A total of 37 participants, consisting of 14 healthy subjects, 13 patients with iron-deficiency anemia, and 10 patients with beta-thalassemia minor, were recruited from Hiwa Hospital between November 2021 and July 2022. Blood samples were obtained from the participants and stored at 4°C for 5 weeks. Hematological indices, including red cell distribution, platelet distribution width, and mean platelet volume, were determined using a hematology analyzer at weekly intervals.Results: Blood storage caused significantly increased mean values of hematological indices among healthy subjects as well as among patients with iron-deficiency anemia and beta-thalassemia, although the pattern of changes was differed.Conclusions: The storage of whole blood significantly increased hematological indices, showing variations in both healthy subjects and patients with iron-deficiency anemia and beta-thalassemia. The pattern of raise in these hematological indices is specific to iron-deficiency anemia and thalassemia when compared with healthy subjects.