Hb Mass Measurement Suitable to Screen for Illicit Autologous Blood Transfusions

• DOI: 10.1249/mss.0b013e318123e8a6
• Publication Date: 2009-03-04T23:55:40Z
• Authors: TORBEN POTTGIESSER; MARKUS UMHAU; CHRISTOPH AHLGRIM; SEBASTIAN RUTHARDT; KAI ROECKER; YORCK OLAF SCHUMA...
• Keywords: Autologous blood

Purpose: An increase of hemoglobin (Hb) mass is the key target blood doping practices to enhance performance as it a main determinant maximal oxygen uptake. Although detection methods exist for with recombinant EPO and homologous transfusions, autologous transfusions remain virtually undetectable. In this context, most sensitive parameter would be determination Hb itself. The purpose therefore was establish whether measurements by optimized CO-rebreathing method allow screening withdrawal reinfusion red cells. Methods: used evaluation in two groups at three time points (duplicate measurements: 1) baseline, 2) after donation, 3) reinfusion). Group I (N = 6) donate receive 1 unit packed cells (PRC) contrast PRC group II 4). span between 2 d. Results: mean content units 59.0 ± 3.9 g (group I) 108.3 1.3 II). decreased significantly (−89 16 −120 14 II) increased I: 70 g; II: 90 9 g) but lower than baseline −19 17 −30 g). total error duplicate measures ranged 0.8 3.1% (Hb mass: 6.4-22.1 Conclusion: has sufficient precision detect absolute differences induced reinfusion. Thus, may suited screen artificially alterations mass.