Toxic metal and essential trace element levels of blood donors

Aim: Blood donors are screened for various pathogens including hepatitis and cytomegalovirus. Screening for toxic metal levels is not routine process. The aims of our study were to determine the whole blood levels of toxic metals, cadmium and lead, and levels of the trace elements iron, zinc, and copper, of non-exposed Turkish subjects and also to identify individuals living under the risk of chronic metal toxicity. Material and Method: Whole blood lead and cadmium levels were analyzed by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Metal levels were determined in the whole blood and serum samples of 211 male blood donors (aged 19 to 55; 33.71±8.69 years). Statistical analysis was performed by SPSSv16. Results: Average levels of cadmium, lead, zinc, copper and iron were found to be 1.27±0.88 µg L-1, 25.1±12.44 µg L-1, 0.97±0.16 mg L-1, 1.10±0.21 mg L-1, and 476.53±42.41 mg L-1, respectively. Donor age had a statistically significant positive correlation only with copper levels (p<0.01). There were not any significant correlations between BMI and any of the measured metal levels (p>0.05). A statistically significant association was found between smoking and cadmium levels (p<0.01). Discussion: Results may provide information for toxicologists and clinical chemists to determine whether people have trace element deficiencies or have been exposed to higher levels of toxic metals.