Background: Researchers have studied the hemodynamic effect of hemorrhage widely but the biochemical alternations after blood loss are less explored. Knowledge about changes in electrolyte values after blood donation may help in assessing the effect on large quantity donations or massive hemorrhage. It may also be beneficial in donor counseling and reassurance.
Aims and Objectives: Primary objective of the study was to quantify changes in plasma sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and albumin before and after blood donation.
Materials and Methods: Predonation electrolyte and albumin levels were tested in all study subjects as baseline and repeated after 45 min of completed blood donation. Both values were compared with paired t test in SPSS version 17.
Results: After 45 min of donating 350 ml whole blood, no significant changes were observed in sodium and potassium levels. Reduction in calcium, magnesium, and albumin was 0.188 mg/dL, 0.0328 mg/dl, and 0.193 g/dl, respectively, which were statistically significant. About 15% of the blood donors were already deficient in magnesium.
Conclusions: Calcium, magnesium, and albumin levels were reduced after blood donation but well maintained within the normal level and most of the donors had normal predonation levels. Hence, in large volume or repeated plasma donation and massive blood loss, baseline evaluation, and monitoring of these parameters may be worthwhile.
Key words: Hemorrhage; Blood Donors; Electrolytes; Albumins
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