Reference Values and Numerical Ratios of Total Plasma Proteins and Hemoglobin Concentration as Novel Parameters for Blood Donors' Preliminary Eligibility Assessment
Jacques Forwah Ndeh *
Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Sciences, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Abdel Jelil Njouendou
Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P.O Box 435 Buea, South West Region, Cameroon.
Eleonore Ngounou
Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P.O Box 435 Buea, South West Region, Cameroon.
Paul-Alex Chukwuma Ifeagwazi
Department of Medicine and Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Eric Akum Achidi
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buea, P.O Box 435 Buea, South West Region, Cameroon.
Ukam Ekup Edadi
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Edeani Bobby David
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Arinze Joseph Edochie
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham -UHB NHS Trust, United Kingdom.
Otti chidiebere Joel
Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Eyam Sunday Eyam
Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Ekpe Okpata Aribo
Department of Physiology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Emekwue Chukwudi Alex
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Anagbado Perpetual Ifunanya
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ugwujah Chikwesiri Peace
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Enosakhare Aiyudubie Asemota
Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross Rivers State, Nigeria.
Idiege Idiege Omang
Department of Surgery, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Edung, Emem Samuel
Emergency Department, North Middlesex Hospital, Royal Free London NHS Trust, United Kingdom.
Akaba Kingsley Onoride
Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Ajugwe Uchechi Priscilla
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ofor Joshua Obase-Otumoyi
Department of Public Health National Open University, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Anne Londoh Njunda
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buea, P.O Box 435 Buea South West Region, Cameroon.
Immaculate Ihuoma Ekeagba
Qualicam Advanced Medical Center, An Organ of WORCACCCE Union Group, Integrated Healthcare Science, Technology, Training and Innovative Research Foundation, Cameroon.
Obi Sandra Nneoma
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Abeshi Sylvester Etenikang
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Blood donors’ eligibility assessment is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of donated blood, recipients and donor protection. Novel parameters, such as reference values and numerical ratios of total plasma proteins and hemoglobin concentration, may enhance the blood donation screening process.
Objective: This systematic review evaluates the utility of reference values and numerical ratios of total plasma proteins and hemoglobin concentration as novel parameters for blood donors' preliminary eligibility assessment.
Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across ten databases namely: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ProQuest, and DOAJ. A total of 450 articles were identified, and after screening, 375 articles met the inclusion criteria. The search terms used included "blood donors," "eligibility assessment," "reference values," "numerical ratios," "total plasma proteins," and "hemoglobin concentration." The search was limited to studies published in English between 2023 and 2025.Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using standardized tools.
Results: The analysis of the 375 included studies, encompassing a large cohort of blood donors, revealed significant associations between reference values and numerical ratios of total plasma proteins and hemoglobin concentration and blood donor eligibility. The concentration of total plasma proteins ranges from 7.0 ± 0.4 g/dl to 7.3 ± 0.6 g/dl, and the concentration of hemoglobin ranges from 13.4 ± 0.1 g/dl to 13.7 ± 0.09 g/dl. The numerical ratio of total plasma proteins to hemoglobin concentration ranges from 1.045 ± 0.006 to 1.063 ± 0.008. The findings suggest that these parameters can be useful in predicting donor eligibility and reducing deferral rates.
Conclusion: This systematic review highlights the potential of reference values and numerical ratios of total plasma proteins and hemoglobin concentration as novel parameters for blood donor eligibility assessment. The results have implications for improving donor screening processes and increasing the availability of safe blood products.
Keywords: Blood donation, eligibility assessment, reference values, numerical ratios, total plasma proteins, hemoglobin concentration