Analysis of factors affecting return of first‐time blood donors in Japan: The role of small volume whole blood collection

Acquiring and maintaining a repeat donor population is essential to keep a sufficient blood supply in Japan. To understand the factors associated with the return of first‐time blood donors, we conducted a retrospective analysis of first‐time blood donors who donated blood to the Japanese Red Cross Blood Services in the year 2017, by following them up for 2 years and then statistically analysing the returning donors in comparison with the non‐returning donors. The blood donors’ features were obtained from the Donor Management System and statistically analysed according to whether they returned or not to make another blood donation during the 2‐year period. Data from 421 415 first‐time donors were analysed, and the return rate was 39·6%. In a univariate analysis including all donors, the factors significantly associated with return donation were male gender, younger age, higher BW, 200 ml whole blood collection (200 WB) and higher Hb. In the subgroup analysis, we analysed student donors aged less than 23 years (157 847 donors) and found younger age, higher BW, 200 WB and female gender as factors significantly associated with returning. Among non‐students in the same age group (n = 42 623), younger age, higher BW, 400 WB and male gender were the factors associated with higher returning. The median age and BW of the non‐student group were higher compared with the students. Although 200 WB donation is not cost‐effective, from our results it seems to play a role in the acquisition of donors who are potential repeat blood donors, essential for maintaining the blood supply in Japan.