A 29-year-old male donor has been donating platelets via aph…
A 29-year-old male donor has been donating platelets via apheresis every two weeks for the past 18 months. He has never donated whole blood. During a routine health screening, his hemoglobin is found to be 11.8 g/dL, and ferritin levels are markedly low. He reports fatigue and occasional lightheadedness but is surprised by the diagnosis of iron deficiency, stating, “I only donate platelets—I thought that didn’t affect iron.” The blood center staff ask the transfusion medicine consultant to explain how this could occur and whether donation practices should be adjusted. Explain why a donor who exclusively donates platelets could become iron deficient. Be specific and detailed. (2 points) Include relevant physiological mechanisms, donation practices, and potential outcomes. (2 points) Writes with appropriate writing style, grammar, and punctuation. (1 point)