The COMeBaCk study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Compliance of Blood Donors with Low Haemoglobin in Seeking Primary Care study
IRAS ID
251834
Contact name
Sarah Townsend
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Velindre University NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Iron deficiency is frequently observed in blood donors, with rates of 49% in men and 66% in women. Frequent blood donation commonly depletes iron stores in both male and female donors leading to storage iron deficiency and consequently iron deficiency anaemia.
The Welsh Blood Service (WBS) screens haemoglobin levels of all blood donors before donating. Donors who fail a haemoglobin screening test cannot donate but provide a full blood count sample. If this sample indicates iron deficient anaemia a letter is sent advising the donor to see their general practitioners (GPs) for further investigation. The primary aim of this study is establishing the number of donors that seek medical attention following notification of the finding of a low haemoglobin level or a low mean cell haemoglobin (indicating likely iron deficiency). The secondary aims are establishing the quality of care received after seeking medical attention, and the demographic characteristics of those seeking medical attention, and those that do not.
Eligible Participants will have attempted to donate blood with the Welsh Blood Service in the last 12 months. This is a retrospective questionnaire-based study that will be conducted via post and telephone and online web platform. Participants will be asked to report actions following receiving a notification letter. The study will take 12 months to complete.
Currently the WBS do not have any data regarding compliance of the donors to recommendations in the letters including visiting their GPs. We also, do not know what are the typical advice or treatment they receive when they see their GPs is.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SC/0604
Date of REC Opinion
23 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion