Frequency and reasons of donor deferral prior to blood donation process: a single centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and reasons for donor deferral prior to the blood donation process in our population. BACKGROUND: Transfusion is an irreversible event that carries potential risks as well as benefits to the recipient. Therefore, donor selection prior to blood donation is one of the most important steps in ensuring the safety of blood and blood products. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the blood bank department in our hospital from January 2012 to December 2014. All the blood donors who visited our department in the study period were included in this study. RESULTS: A total of 25 901 potential donations were recorded during the study period, comprising 24 309 (93·8%) replacement and 1592 (6·2%) voluntary donations. Females accounted for only 222 (0·9%) of potential donations. Deferral occurred in 3156 (12·2%) of attempts; 280 (1·1%) were permanently deferred, while 2876 (11·1%) were temporarily deferred. The most common reason for permanent deferral was a history of hepatitis B infection (n = 147, 4·7% of all deferrals). Major reasons for temporary donor deferral were low levels of haemoglobin (n = 971, 30·76%), low levels of platelets (n = 611, 19·35%) and previous history of jaundice (n = 192, 6·1%). CONCLUSIONS: This study reported a fairly similar pattern of donor deferrals as in other regional studies. Low haemoglobin levels and a history of hepatitis B infection were the most common factors for temporary and permanent donor deferrals, respectively.

Red cell alloimmunisation in regularly transfused beta thalassemia patients in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: In Pakistan routine blood group typing of thalassemia patients identifies ABO and Rh(D) antigens only. Therefore, other antigen incompatibilities between blood donor and blood recipient may cause alloimmunisation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of alloimmunisation and to evaluate the risk factors associated with its development in beta (ß)-thalassemia patients receiving regular blood transfusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total 162 ß thalassemia patients were included in this study. An extended red cell antigen panel was performed to detect antibodies. Patients received red cell concentrates, which were matched for ABO and Rh(D) antigens. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analysed to estimate the frequency of alloantibodies and the factors influencing immunisation in patients on regular blood transfusion. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 6·7 (range: 0·5-25) years. A total of 14 (8·6%) patients developed alloantibodies against red cell antigens. The most frequently occurring alloantibodies was anti-E (2·5%), anti-K (1·8%), anti-e (1·2%) and anti-D (0·6%). Five (3·1%) patients developed more than one red blood cell (RBC) alloantibody. Age at first transfusion in alloimmunised patients was 1·22 ± 0·87 years. The frequency of blood transfusion in alloimmunised patients was 23 ± 8·81 days and in those without alloimmunisation was 31·8 ± 16 days (p = 0·02). Logistic regression analysis showed no independent risk factor associated with alloimmunisation. CONCLUSION: The frequency of transfusion was increased in patients who developed alloantibodies. Typing patients and donors to match for Rh and Kell antigens would prevent more than 90% of RBC alloantibodies and reduce the frequency of transfusion in thalassemia patients.