Iron deficiency is a major complication of regular blood donation as a result of regular iron loss from each donated blood unit. Ninety-two regular blood donors and 95 first time blood donors attending a hospital-based blood transfusion centre were assessed as to their haematological and iron status by blood counts and serum ferritin levels as an indicator of iron stores. All donors had passed the haemoglobin-screening test using a copper sulphate method prior to blood donation. Ferritin levels were found to be significantly lower among regular blood donors (47.8 mmol/L) as compared to first time blood donors (94.2 mmol/L). Iron deficiency as observed by low ferritin levels was seen in 7.4% of all first time donors as compared to 17.4% in regular donors. Male first time donors showed a low prevalence of iron deficiency but the prevalence significantly increased with regular blood donation. Female first time and regular blood donors however did not show any significant differences in prevalence of iron deficiency, with both groups exhibiting prevalence rates similar to male regular donors. The association between haemoglobin levels and iron deficiency was poor and the copper sulphate-screening test was found insensitive to anaemia with many donors passing the test and donating blood despite being anaemic. It is concluded that a high prevalence of iron deficiency is present among regular male blood donors and all female donors. Besides, the use of the copper sulphate screening test as a sole criterion for anaemia screening should be reviewed. Ferritin measurements should be included in the routine assessment of blood donors especially among regular blood donors.
seconds ; Blood Donors ; Iron deficiency, NOS ; In Blood ; Prevalence aspects

Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a rare T lymphoproliferative disorder which is aetiologically linked with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1). HTLV-1 is endemic in Japan, Caribbean and Africa. The highest incidence of ATLL is in Japan although sporadic cases have been reported elsewhere in the world. We describe a case of ATLL with an unusual presentation which we believe is the first reported case of ATLL in Malaysia based on our literature search. A 51-year-old Indian lady was referred to University Malaya Medical Centre for an incidental finding of lymphocytosis while being investigated for pallor and giddiness. Clinical examination revealed bilateral shotty cervical lymph nodes with no hepato-splenomegaly or skin lesions. Laboratory investigations showed absolute lymphocytosis (38 x 10(9)/L) with a mildly increased serum lactate dehydrogenase. The peripheral blood smear showed the presence of predominantly small to medium sized, non-flower lymphocytes. The bone marrow showed similar findings of prominent lymphocytosis. Immunophenotyping of the bone marrow mononuclear cells showed CD3+, CD4+, CD5+, CD7- and CD25+ which is characteristic of ATLL phenotype. HTLV-1 infection was confirmed by the presence of HTLV-1 proviral DNA in the tumor cells using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR. Here, we discuss the pathogenesis and characteristics of ATLL as well as the detection of HTLV-1 by real time PCR.
Leukemia-Lymphoma, T-Cell, Acute, HTLV-I-Associated ; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; T-Lymphocytes ; Lymphocytosis