Donor Haemovigilance: A South Indian experience

Abstract

Blood Donation from healthy screened donors is a well-tolerated procedure. However a small percentage may experience adverse donor reactions. Donor haemovigilance aims at identifying and documenting these reactions for donor safety.: This prospective cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Transfusion Medicine & Immunohaematology, Govt. Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala for a one year study period from January 1st 2018 to December 31st 2018 included all adverse donor reactions and donor determinants in vasovagal reactions in allogenic whole blood donors. Donors were assessed as per the Standard Operating Procedure (S.O.P) based on national guidelines. 350ml collection bags were used. Vasovagal reactions were also graded as per the Blood Donation Reactions Inventory scale (B.D.R.I).: During the 1 year study period, 1.79% of 27,800 donors experienced adverse reactions. The most common symptoms were pre-syncopal 1.33% with syncope forming only 0.3% and local reactions 0.16%. Correlation with donor characteristics using Pearsons chi square test showed significance for female gender, first timers and lack of adequate sleep (<5 hrs). In our study there was no association with age (S.O.P guidelines) or food intake <4hrs.Our study reinforces the safety of blood donation with a very low prevalence of adverse reactions. Proper donor counseling and examination noting donor characteristics like adequate sleep, food intake and alleviation of fears and doubts of first timers can play a major role in further reducing the reaction rate and ensuring repeat donors, the need of the hour.