Survey on blood donation and composition of volunteer blood donors from ages 55 to 60

Objective To investigate the situation and safety of blood donation among regular blood donors aged between55 and 60. Methods The data on 501 cases of volunteer blood donors aged between 55 and 60 during July 2012 and February 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Results Among volunteer blood donors from the age of 55 to 60,most were males.Among the volunteers,247 donated more than once( 49. 30%). The rate of adverse donation reactions was 0. 40%,lower than the age group of 18- 55 years old,which occupied 1. 41% in the same period. The percentage of donor deferral was6. 18%,which was higher than 5. 22%,the rate found among voluntary blood donors aged 18- 55. Compared to the 18- 55 age group,neither the rate of adverse donation reactions and donor deferral demonstrated any significant difference. The disqualification ratio in screening due to presence of infectious agents was 2. 59%,which was lower than that in 18- 55 age group( 10. 24%) and showed significant statistical difference. Conclusion Regular blood donors older than 55 years old are deemed eligible to continue to donate blood.