Analysis of reasons for blood donor deferral in student population of Vojvodina

Abstract

Introduction. The supply of blood from healthy blood donors (BD) is essential for safe blood transfusions. As students play an important role in providing adequate blood supplies, this study analyzes the frequency and reasons for blood donor deferral among the student population of Vojvodina, with the intention of reducing the rate of deferral and improving re-entry. Material and Methods. A retrospective study examined blood donor deferral records of the University of Novi Sad students who donated blood at the Blood Transfusion Institute of Vojvodina, from January 1 to December 31, 2022. The deferrals have been categorized based on pre-donation deferral causes, the blood donor deferral period, in relevance to the safety of both the blood donor and the recipient. Results. Of 867 students in total, 121 (13.9%) were deferred from donating blood. 72/121 (59.5%) of them were female, 49/121 (11.3%) were male, and 99/121 (81.8%) were regular blood donors. Temporary deferrals of less than 3 months were recorded for 98/121 (80.99%) students, while deferrals for 6 months were applicable to 19/121 (15.7%), with 4/121 (3.3%) experiencing permanent deferrals. The number of blood donors deferred due to safety reasons of the very donors was 85/121 (70.2%). The most common reasons were low hemoglobin level 17/121 (14.1%), medication deferral (pain-killers, antihista?mines, antibiotics) 17/121 (14.1%) and adverse reactions prior to blood donation 15/121 (12.3%). Conclusion. Educating blood donors about high-risk behaviors, medication usage, screening for iron deficiency and hypertension could be the most important tool to reduce the rate of deferral and improve blood donor re-entry.