Whole Blood Donation Affects the Interpretation of Hemoglobin A(1c)

INTRODUCTION: Several factors, including changed dynamics of erythrocyte formation and degradation, can influence the degree of hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) formation thereby affecting its use in monitoring diabetes. This study determines the influence of whole blood donation on HbA(1c) in both non-diabetic blood donors and blood donors with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In this observational study, 23 non-diabetic blood donors and 21 blood donors with type 2 diabetes donated 475 mL whole blood and were followed prospectively for nine weeks. Each week blood samples were collected and analyzed for changes in HbA(1c) using three secondary reference measurement procedures. RESULTS: Twelve non-diabetic blood donors (52.2%) and 10 (58.8%) blood donors with type 2 diabetes had a significant reduction in HbA(1c) following blood donation (reduction >-4.28%, P < 0.05). All non-diabetic blood donors with a normal ferritin concentration predonation had a significant reduction in HbA(1c). In the non-diabetic group the maximum reduction was -11.9%, in the type 2 diabetes group -12.0%. When eligible to donate again, 52.2% of the non-diabetic blood donors and 41.2% of the blood donors with type 2 diabetes had HbA(1c) concentrations significantly lower compared to their predonation concentration (reduction >-4.28%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with type 2 diabetes contributing to whole blood donation programs can be at risk of falsely lowered HbA(1c). This could lead to a wrong interpretation of their glycemic control by their general practitioner or internist.