A descriptive cross-sectional study of Platelets count in apparently healthy Eritrean blood donors attending the National Blood Transfusion Center, Asmara, Eritrea

Background: Platelets are an important constituent of blood. Safety measures of blood transfusion are important for optimum health environment. To the knowledge of the researchers, there is no study that was conducted concerning Platelets count in apparently healthy Eritrean blood donors. Therefore, this study will help in establishing the reference ranges of Platelets count in them. Objectives: To measure the serum platelets levels and mean platelets volume in apparently healthy Eritrean blood donors attending the national blood bank of Eritrea. Study design: Descriptive crosssectional study. Materials and methods: 610 Blood donors were incorporated in the study. 4 ml of venous blood was collected into K3EDTA tubes (Becton Dickinson, Plymouth, UK) from all of the participants of the study. Blood samples collected into the (EDTA)-tubes were examined for Platelets count and mean platelet volume. Results: The overall mean of platelets count was 267.145 ± (65.915) ×109 /L, The median and mode of values were both 266.3 thousands/mm3. The mean platelet count for the females was 296.122 thousands /mm3, and for males was 252.477 ×109 /L, and the statistic difference between them was significant. The statistic mean of MPV for males was 8.763 fl, and for females was 8.717, and the difference between the two means also considered insignificant. Conclusion: This descriptive cross sectional study was performed in the National Blood bank in Asmara where platelets levels and mean platelets volume were measured for 610 healthy blood donors. The results were found to be within reference normal ranges. The difference between the males and females results was statistically significant