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Ferritin Measurement in Blood Donors

Publication Date: 3 June 2026

Continuing Education Credits: 0.5 hours

Course Description

Iron plays a vital role in the human body, primarily in oxygen transport via hemoglobin and storage in ferritin, a protein that reflects iron reserves. Ferritin testing is a key tool for assessing iron status, especially in populations at risk of deficiency. In this lecture, Dr. Laura Infanti describes the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, with a focus on blood donors, and how donors are especially vulnerable due to iron loss during donation. To address iron loss, ferritin testing in blood donors has become increasingly important, enabling ferritin-based donor management strategies that help maintain donor health and ensure a sustainable blood supply. Final considerations emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring, education, and tailored interventions to balance donor safety with blood collection needs. span>

Course Objectives
  • Demonstrate that ferritin measurements are central for the health of blood donors
  • Illustrate the impact of implementing ferritin testing to blood establishments >
  • Correlate the potential impact of ferritin testing on the number of blood donations and on blood procurement

Run Time: 30:06

Course Instructor Bio(s)

Laura Infanti, MD

Deputy Head
Blood Donor Centre and Transfusion Medicine of Swiss Red Cross, Basel
Bubendorf, Switzerland

Laura Infanti is a distinguished haematologist and transfusion medicine expert. She earned her medical degree from the University of Trieste, Italy, followed by a specialization in haematology at the University of Udine. Her academic journey continued with a Master’s in Transfusion and Transplantation from the University of Bristol and a degree in diagnostic haematology. Since 2017, she has served as an associate professor at the University of Basel. Professionally, she has worked at the Swiss Red Cross Blood Donation Centre in Basel since 2004, becoming deputy head in 2007, and has also held a part-time role at the University Hospital of Basel’s haematology outpatient clinic since 2010. Her responsibilities include overseeing blood donation and product manufacturing, stem cell donor evaluation, and therapeutic apheresis. She is a member of the Swiss Working Party for Blood Donation and Apheresis and is actively involved in donor care, particularly iron metabolism and pathogen reduction research. At the haematology clinic, she focuses on non-malignant blood disorders and is a reference for haemoglobinopathies and iron-related conditions. Academically, she mentors medical students and contributes to continuing education, with current research spanning donor recruitment, ferritin measurement platforms, and ABO-incompatible stem cell transplantation.

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