Donor Health
Blood and plasma donation is generally safe, but they may cause short- and long-term side effects, such as iron and protein depletion. Because donors are healthy volunteers, any potential harm should be prevented. Within our group, we develop individualized donor health protection strategies by applying epidemiological and (bio-)statistical methods. Through observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and data science approaches, we aim to identify factors that distinguish donors who may benefit from (frequent) donations from those who may be adversely affected. Our goal is to better understand, safeguard, and improve donor health.
In our research projects, we collaborate closely with the donor behavior research group (Prof. Eva-Maria Merz) and with donor physicians, including Dr. Niubel Díaz Padilla, portfolio holder for research within the Department of Donor Medicine.
Research lines
Examples of projects:
FIND’EM | Sanquin
The FIND’EM study found that ferritin-guided donation intervals effectively increased donor hemoglobin and ferritin levels and decreased the odds of hemoglobin-based deferral and iron deficiency. We also found that this policy decreased the odds of donor return over time and had no effect on iron deficiency-related symptoms.
FORTE | Sanquin
The FORTE RCT showed that iron supplementation -60 mg taken daily, in particular- effectively mitigates iron deficiency, low ferritin, and low haemoglobin in blood donors with low ferritin. Iron supplementation is an effective alternative or supplement to extended donation intervals for whole-blood donors with low ferritin levels.
Donor InSight (-I, -II, and -III)
Donor InSight (DIS) is a large-scale, longitudinal survey-based study, with surveys conducted in 2007-09, 2012-13, and with additional blood sampling in 2015-16, aiming to understand the characteristics of donors (socio-demographic, lifestyle), their experiences with donation, reasons and motivation for donor return or lapse, their medical history and physical and psychological effects of donation. More details can be found here.
Key publications
Meulenbeld A, Ramondt S, Sweegers MG, Quee FA, Prinsze FJ, Hoogendijk EO, Swinkels DW, van den Hurk K. Effectiveness of ferritin-guided donation intervals in whole-blood donors in the Netherlands (FIND'EM): a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial. The Lancet. 2024 Jul 6;404(10447):31-43.
Karregat JHM, Meulenbeld A, Quee FA, Novotny VMJ, Swinkels DW, van den Born B-JH, Zaaijer HL, Twisk JWR, van den Hurk K. Ferritin-guided iron supplementation as an alternative or complement to prolonged blood donation intervals (FORTE): a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. Lancet Haematol. 2025 Sep;12(9):e694-e704.
Paalvast Y, Moazzen S, Sweegers M, Hogema B, Janssen M, van den Hurk K. A computational model for prediction of ferritin and haemoglobin levels in blood donors. Br J Haematol. 2022 Oct;199(1):143-152.
D'aes T, van den Hurk K, Schroyens N, Mikkelsen S, Severijns P, de Buck E, O'Leary P, Tiberghien P, Compernolle V, Erikstrup C, van Remoortel H. Balancing Donor Health and Plasma Collection: A Systematic Review of the Impact of Plasmapheresis Frequency. Transfus Med Rev. 2024 Oct;38(4):150851.
Funding
- Health Programme of the European Commission
- PPOC (internal funding in competition), various projects
- ERC Consolidator Grant
Ancillary positions
European Blood Alliance (EBA) - Chair Working Group Donor Studies
Scientific Journal: Vox Sanguinis - Editor Section Donors and Donations / Editorial Board Member
Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative - Scientific Member
Vereniging voor Epidemiologie (VvE) - Member
Nederlandse Vereniging voor Bloedtransfusie (NVB) - Member
Amsterdam Public Health research institute (APH) - Member
Amber (A.) Meulenbeld
