Prevalence of Sickle Cell Trait Among Blood Donors at the National Blood Transfusion Service, Abuja, North Central Nigeria

This study determines the prevalence of sickle cell trait (HbAS) among voluntary blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria. Screening blood donors for haemoglobin genotype is important to prevent inadvertent transfusion of sickle cell trait blood to susceptible recipients, including neonates and patients with sickle cell disease. A retrospective review of donor records and a prospective cross-sectional component were combined for this study. Haemoglobin solubility testing was performed as a screening tool, with confirmatory cellulose acetate electrophoresis for positive samples. A total of 600 donors were evaluated. The overall prevalence of HbAS trait was 22.7 percent. Male donors showed a slightly higher trait prevalence than female donors. Donors from South East and South West Nigeria had higher carrier frequencies compared to those from Northern states, consistent with known regional variation in sickle gene prevalence. The relatively high trait prevalence among donors highlights the need for mandatory pre-donation haemoglobin genotype screening at all NBTS centres nationally. The study also identifies gaps in existing donor counselling protocols regarding carrier status disclosure and its implications for donors and their families. Recommendations include systematic genotype screening, integration of genetic counselling into donor services, and a national database of genotyped donor records. Keywords: sickle cell trait, blood donors, haemoglobin genotype, NBTS, Abuja.