Evaluation of blood donors characteristics, causes of deferral and complications of donation

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine distribution, characteristics & type of blood donors, common causes and rate of deferral in apparently healthy blood donors, complications during donation. Design: Descriptive cross sectional study Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion (AFIT), Rawalpindi from Sep 2010 to Jan 2011. Materials and Methods: All voluntary blood donors were registered before blood transfusion. Donors were then provided with a questionnaire form which included demographic data and questions regarding their medical history. Physical examination of all blood donors was carried out in addition to complete blood counts and blood grouping. On the basis of the medical history, physical examination and blood counts, donor not meeting the criterion were deferred. During donation they were also observed for complications of blood donation. Results: A total of 4662 persons were registered for blood donation out of which 4634 (99.4%) were male and 28 (0.6%) were female blood donors. Among these 2939 (63%) were between age category of 21-30 years. Academically 1750 (37.5%) were intermediate qualified and 1477(31.7%) were graduate. Directed blood donors were 3997 (85.7%).  A total of 520 (11.15%) were deferred and main causes of deferral included low hemoglobin (67.30%) followed by raised TLC (7.88%), history of recent blood donation (7.88%), underweight (3.08%),  high blood pressure (2.7%) and thrombocytopenia (2.7%). Only 35 donors developed complication during donation. Conclusion: In our country the rate of voluntary donation is low as compared to developed countries. The rate of donor deferral and complications of blood donation are low. Keywords :  Blood donor.