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The effect of short‐term, temporary deferral on future blood donation
Author(s) -
Halperin D.,
Baetens J.,
Newman B.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1046/j.1537-2995.1998.38298193102.x
Subject(s) - deferral , medicine , blood donor , donation , blood donations , blood transfusion , surgery , finance , immunology , economics , economic growth
BACKGROUND: Most blood donor deferrals are temporary and short‐term. The effect of short‐term, temporary deferral (STTD) on blood donor return rates and subsequent blood donations is an important issue. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donors given STTDs during the first 3 months of 1993 were computer‐matched with nondeferred donors on the basis of age, sex, and donation date. Computer records were evaluated during the next 4.25 years (4/93‐6/97) to determine donor return rates and subsequent blood donations. RESULTS: The most common reasons STTD were low hemoglobin (46%), colds and/or sore throats (19%), and elevated temperature (10%). Nondeferred donors were 29 percent more likely than donors with STTD to return over the next 4.25 years (80% vs. 62%), and nondeferred donors donated 81 percent more whole blood units (13,798 vs. 7,615) over the same period. CONCLUSION: The study showed that STTD have a very negative impact on blood donor return rates and subsequent blood donations. Actions to alleviate these negative effects are indicated.