Study of adverse events and predisposing factors in whole blood donors – at a tertiary care hospital

Lack of awareness and community motivation, compounded with fragmented blood transfusion services in our country, often leads to shortage of blood. Donor recruitment and retention are essential for ensuring adequate blood supply. However, adverse events (AEs) in donors have a negative impact on donor return. Aims and Objectives: To assess the frequency of AEs in whole blood donors and analyze the predisposing factors for AEs. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on whole blood donors over a period of 12 months from December 2012 to December 2013. All whole blood donations made at the centre were analyzed. All adverse events occurring during or at the end of donation were noted using a standardized format. Results: Overall 84 adverse events were reported in relation to 7668 donations, resulting in an overall adverse event rate of 1.09 %. Presyncopal symptoms, in other words vasovagal reactions of mild intensity, were the most commonly observed adverse reactions and accounted for approximately 48.80 % of all adverse reactions noted. Vasovagal reactions showed a significant association with young age, lower weight, first time donation status, female gender. Hematoma the second commonest AE was noted in donors 11(13.09%). Hematoma formation occurred significantly more when less trained staff performed phlebotomy. Discussion and Conclusion: Only 1.09% of blood donations were complicated by adverse events and most of these events were presyncopal symptoms.our study confirms the fact that blood donation is a very safe procedure which could be made even more event-free by following certain friendly, reassuring and tactful practices. In conclusion, blood centres have an obligation to constantly monitor risks of blood donation and to make a concerted and committed effort to achieve the lowest possible rate of complication.