The study of effect of short-term, temporary deferral on blood donor return rate

Background and objectivesBlood donors are deferred for numerous reasons. Some reasons for permanent deferral are intravenous drug use, male homosexual contact or certain positive test results. However, the majority of donor deferrals are short-term temporary deferrals (STTDs) that are resolved in a matter of days, weeks or months, thereafter donors would be considered again as eligible blood donors. The effect of STTDs on blood donor return rates and subsequent blood donations is studied. Materials and Methods The present study was historical cohort. Donors facing STTDs during the 15 Dec 1999 to 15 Mar 2000 were randomly computer-matched with non-deferred donors on the basis of donation date (case group: 804 donors; control group: 295 donors). Computer records were evaluated during the 3 years that followed (21 Mar 2000 to 21 Mar 2003) to determine donor return rates. Chi-square analysis was used for comparison. ResultsThe most common reasons for STTDs were elevated blood pressure, certain medication, bacterial infection, cold, and sore throat. Blood donor return rates were 32.4% (in the case of those deferred for cold /sore throat), 42% (those deferred for medication), 29.3% (those with hypertension), and 37.3% (for bacterial infection) over the 3 years that followed. Non deferred donors were a little more likely than donors with STTDs to return over these 3 years (36.6% vs. 34.8%; p=0.57), and non-deferred donors donated more whole blood units. ConclusionsDonors with STTDs have a negative impact on blood donor return rates. The blood center’s goal should be to keep donors in the donor pool. Measures to alleviate negative effects on donors with STTDs should be also taken.