Journal of Blood & Lymph

Monitoring the Spectrum of Donor Deferrals in a Hospital Blood Bank: A Tertiary care Hospital Experience

Abstract

Attika Khalid, Nazia Khalid and Madeeha Rehan

Introduction: In an ever-rising need of blood and blood products, donor deferrals not only dent the existing donor pool but also reduces the possibility of further donation by the potential blood donor. This study aims to get an insight into the frequency and causes of deferrals in the region. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the blood bank of Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi. All the potential donors were evaluated on the basis of clinical history, physical examination and Blood count estimation. Blood was collected from the donors that are deemed fit by above criteria and was screened for Malaria, hepatitis B, C, HIV and syphilis. Results: Out of the total 4225 potential donors 26 (0.61%) were females, 1988 (47%) were in the age range 15-30 years. Of the total potential donors 9.7% donors (410) were deferred. Amongst the deferred, 64% were deferred pre-donation during initial history taking and examination. Amongst the pre-donation deferrals the most common cause was anemia (52.4%) followed by leukocytosis (19.7%) and thrombocytopenia (4.8%) respectively. Post donation deferrals included those patients who showed seropositivity to either hepatitis B, C, HIV, malaria or syphilis. It comprised of 34% of the total deferrals. Hepatitis B was the most common cause of post donation deferral comprising about 49.6% followed by hepatitis C (46%). Only 05 HIV positive cases reported. Conclusion: The analysis of rate and causes of donor deferral may help not only in preventing the donor loss but also in initiating the recruitment efforts and establishing general awareness campaign regarding safety and benefits of donation process at a mass level to help mobilizing voluntary donors from both genders.