Turbid plasma donations in whole blood donors: fat chance?

BACKGROUND Blood donations resulting in "nontransparent turbid milky" plasma must be discarded. The aim of this study was to objectively determine opacity and to identify risk factors for turbid plasma donations. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS This case-control study included 238 whole blood donors who provided turbid plasma (cases) and 309 random control subjects with normal plasma. Participants filled in a questionnaire regarding cardiovascular risk factors. Fat intake was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Opacity and lipids were measured. Additional data were retrieved from the blood bank information system. Mean differences and odds ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Cases had a less favorable cardiovascular profile compared to control subjects. The usual intake of fat was not associated with turbid plasma donation. In a multivariate model, having dinner before donation (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.2-11.1), triglyceride levels (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 4.6-10.8), and smoking (OR(yes vs. no) , 2.5; 95% CI, 0.9-6.7; and OR(ever vs. no) , 5.7; 95% CI, 1.8-18.4) were associated with an increased risk. Opacity was clearly increased in turbid plasma. Total cholesterol levels were 0.51 (95% CI, 0.35-0.66) mmol/L and triglyceride levels 4.28 (95% CI, 3.92-4.68) mmol/L higher in cases. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were 0.34 (95% CI, -0.39 to -0.30) mmol/L lower. Forty-two percent of all cases had very high triglyceride levels (≥ 5.65 mmol/L) compared to less than 1% of control subjects. CONCLUSION Donors who provided a turbid donation have a less favorable cardiovascular profile compared to other donors. Having dinner, high triglyceride levels, and smoking are independent risk factors for turbid plasma donations.