Evaluation of Selected Haemostatic Biomarkers among Blood Donors at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In many underdeveloped nations, routine blood donor screening procedures place a greater emphasis on hemoglobin estimation and infectious illness markers than on hemostatic profile. Even blood donors who appear to be in good condition may have mild changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis, which could have an impact on donor health and transfusion safety. Therefore, a thorough assessment of hemostatic biomarkers is necessary to guarantee the safety of both donors and recipients, especially in areas with a lack of baseline hemostatic reference data. Aim and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess a number of hemostatic biomarkers among voluntary blood donors at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria, including platelet count, fibrinogen concentration, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and D-dimer levels. Additionally, the study sought to ascertain the frequency and distribution of abnormal findings. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 180 willing blood donors were chosen from the UCH Blood Bank in Ibadan. Samples of venous blood were drawn aseptically and placed in tubes containing EDTA and trisodium citrate anticoagulants. A coagulometer was used to assess PT and aPTT, an automated hematology analyzer (Sysmex) was used to count platelets, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify fibrinogen and D-dimer levels in accordance with normal protocols. Results were displayed as means, frequencies, percentages, and standard error of means (S.E.M.) after data analysis was completed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Most donors had haemostatic parameters within normal reference ranges, including platelet count (79.4%), fibrinogen (92.8%), PT (62.8%), INR (62.8%), aPTT (80.0%), and D-dimer (93.9%). Mean ± S.E.M values were: platelet 191.1 ± 5.38 ×10³/µL; fibrinogen 345.3 ± 32.43 mg/dL; PT 13.91 ± 0.04 s; INR 1.08 ± 0.09; aPTT 34.70 ± 0.33 s; and D-dimer 639.2 ± 23.77 ng/mL. A minority exhibited abnormalities suggestive of hyper- or hypocoagulable states, including shortened PT (35.0%), prolonged aPTT (11.7%), and elevated D-dimer (2.8%). Conclusion: Most donors showed normal hemostatic function, indicating that they were suitable for safe blood donation. However, a tiny percentage showed moderate hemostatic problems, highlighting the significance of include specific coagulation and fibrinolytic markers in evaluations of donor health. Regular screening for important hemostatic biomarkers may improve transfusion outcomes, increase donor safety, and make it easier to identify subclinical coagulation abnormalities early.