EVALUATION OF REASONS FOR DONOR DEFERRAL IN A VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION CAMP-A PILOT STUDY

Background Selection of voluntary blood donors is of vital importance towards safe blood transfusion services. The donor is the life force of any blood bank and hospital in a blood donation program. Hence the insight into the various causes of donor deferral is very importantAim To evaluate the donor deferral rate and reasons for deferral of blood donation in a voluntary blood donation camp.Material and methods This is a cross sectional study conducted in a voluntary blood donation camp held at a Degree College in Davangere. Data regarding reasons for deferral were obtained by examination of individuals who came forward to donate blood and also by the information in the donor questionnaire.Results Seventy four individuals came forward for voluntary blood donation. Donor deferral was highest among women 70.42 and the causes were temporary like low hemoglobin levels 44 and low body weight 42.There were no permanent deferrals.Conclusion This study concludes that donor deferral is common among females and the reason for the same is low hemoglobin level and low body weight.