Study of Association between Platelet Function and Anthropometry of Blood Donors in a Single Institution

Objective: To determine the association between obesity indices e.g. body mass index, waist circumference and platelet function in healthy blood donors.

Methodology and Procedures: A cross-sectional study conducted on 100 healthy blood donors in Transfusion Medicine Department of King George’s Medical University, Lucknow. Subject selection based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Anthropometric measures were recorded and sample of blood taken after blood donation and platelet count and platelet release test performed by specific method. Collected data analysed by Student’s t tests to assess the associations.

Results: According to body mass index, 44% subjects have normal BMI and remaining 27% and 24% of the subjects have BMI within range from 23 to 24.9 and >25 respectively. Subjects based on waist circumference, 54% of subject have WC <85.9 cm and 21% of the subject have WC >90 cm. platelet count shows significant association with body weight and waist circumference of the healthy blood donor subject. However, no significant correlation was found between platelet function (Platelet release test) and anthropometric variables.

Conclusion: Anthropometric variables like body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference can give a quantitative idea of platelet function including platelet count in blood of normal healthy donors.