Epidemiology, Donor Studies, Donor Health, Iron Metabolism, Public Health

Blood and plasma donors are in principle healthy volunteers who donate blood (components) for patient care. The research line 'Donor Health' focuses primarily on studying the health effects of donation and improving policies to protect the health of donors and recipients, thereby applying epidemiological, (bio-)statistical and data science methodology. This research includes studies on iron metabolism and on the stratification, prediction, and mitigation of whole blood donation-induced risks of iron depletion and anemia. In addition, we study donor eligibility criteria through literature reviews, epidemiological studies and donor surveys, as well as health effects of plasma donations on e.g. iron and plasma protein levels. We are increasingly conducting epidemiological research for preventive health care through Sanquin Future Health, a donor biobank in preparation with residual material and questionnaires from blood and plasma donations.