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Observational Study
. 2023 Jan;157(1):30-36.
doi: 10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1273_19.

Delayed adverse reactions in whole blood donors: Importance of active surveillance in identifying the missing gaps in the donor safety

Abhaykumar Malind Gupta  1 , Meenu Bajpai  1
Affiliations
Observational Study

Delayed adverse reactions in whole blood donors: Importance of active surveillance in identifying the missing gaps in the donor safety

Abhaykumar Malind Gupta et al. Indian J Med Res. 2023 Jan.

Abstract

Background & objectives: The information available regarding delayed adverse donor reactions (D-ADRs) is limited. Proactive follow up of donors for delayed reactions is not done routinely. This study was undertaken to analyze frequency and type of D-ADRs in whole blood donors as also the contributory factors.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, all eligible whole blood donors were contacted telephonically twice (24 h and 2 wks after donation) and asked about general health and ADR specific questions. The International Society of Blood Transfusion standard guidelines were used to categorize ADRs.

Results: The ADR data of 3514 donors were analyzed in the study. D-ADRs were more common as compared to immediate delayed adverse donor reactions (I-ADRs) (13.7 vs. 2.9%, P<0.001). The most common D-ADRs were bruises (4.98%), fatigue or generalized weakness (4.24%) and sore arms (2.25%). D-ADRs were more common in first time donors as compared to the repeat blood donors (16.1 vs. 12.5%, P=0.002). Females were more prone to D-ADRs (17 vs. 13.6%). Localized D-ADRs were more frequent as compared to systemic D-ADRs (P<0.001). Repeat donors had a lower incidence of systemic D-ADRs (4.11% vs. 7.37%, P<0.001).

Interpretation & conclusions: D-ADRs were more common than I-ADRs with a different profile. First time, female and young donors were more prone to D-ADRs. These categories need special care at the time of blood donation. Active follow up of blood donors should be done from time to time to strengthen donor safety.

Keywords: Adverse donor reactions; blood donors; delayed reactions; donor safety; haematoma; vaso-vagal reactions; weakness.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None.

Figures

Figure
Figure
Schematic flow diagram of the study design. SOP, standard operation procedure
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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