Ambition
Gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the donation and donor welfare through behavioural scientific and sociological research.
Key Findings
Donor Iron Management
- Evidence-based iron level assessment at donation to maximise donor welfare. Repeated donation can deplete iron stores and our results support the value of serum ferritin measurement in donor iron management
Expanding and Diversifying our Donor Base
- Expanding and diversifying our donor base will maximise our ability to 'best' match donated blood with transfusion recipients
- Focus groups and surveys determined that the provision of blood donation information, and engagement with the African communities is crucial and a lack of basic information was as key barrier.
Donor Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Contribute to public health policy by tracking the incidence, prevalence and/or progression infectious diseases in a healthy donor population
- To compare the distribution of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genotypes in patients with healthy Irish Donors
Donor Blood Antigen Profiling
- Ireland's population is increasing and becoming more diverse, this has potential implications for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service to provide ‘best-matched’ blood for the optimal care of patients
- Determine the distribution of ABO, RH and other clinically significant blood group antigen systems in Irish donors and compare with those required for transfusion in various patient groups