Population DIS-III

In 2015-2016, we selected 6,140 donors from the DIS (-I and -II) population. This follow-up, DIS-III, aimed to investigate genetic determinants in relation to declining versus stable haemoglobin levels and donation-related iron deficiency in repeat donors.

Three categories of donors were included (~6,140 donors were invited in order to recruit ~3,000 participants):

• 2,548 donors with declining haemoglobin levels,
• 2,071 donors with stable haemoglobin levels and
• 1,521 randomly selected donors

These donors were asked to complete questionnaires on lifestyle, menstruation including a pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC), menopause and pregnancy, health status, cognitive functioning and iron-deficiency-related symptoms. Furthermore blood sampling was collected for DNA sequencing, to perform a full blood count, to analyse markers of iron metabolism and to determine blood lipid profiles.

For more information check the flowchart of the Donor InSight population.