Epidemiology, Donor Studies, Donor Health, Iron Metabolism, Public Health

Donor Health: Ensuring Safe and Sustainable Contributions to Saving Lives

Our research focuses on the critical yet often overlooked dimension of transfusion medicine: the health and safety of donors. We emphasize the importance of safeguarding those who give blood or plasma, commonly on a voluntary, non-remunerated basis. We investigate the short- and long-term effects of repeated donations on biomarkers and donor well-being, identifying factors that influence recovery, resilience, and the capacity to donate safely over time.

By integrating epidemiology and biostatistics, real-world data analytics, and personalized health assessments, we strive to optimize donation protocols, minimize risks, and improve donor retention. This work not only protects donor health but also enhances the reliability of donation systems worldwide, ensuring they remain robust, ethical, and sustainable. With a commitment to evidence-based practices, we aim to redefine safety standards and build a future where donating is not only lifesaving for recipients but also fully supportive of donor health.

In our studies we typically make use of routinely collected data and samples from blood and plasma donors, enriched with additionally collected data through questionnaires, laboratory measurements, and data (registry) linkage. We perform randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and (systematic) literature reviews.