Analysis of Chinese donors' return behavior

BACKGROUND: It is important to understand donor return behavior. Converting first‐time donors to become repeat donors is essential for maintaining an adequate blood supply. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Characteristics of 241,552 whole blood (WB) donations from first‐time and repeat donors who donated in 2008 at the five blood centers in China were compared. A subset of 54,394 WB donors who donated between January 1 and March 31, 2008, were analyzed for their return behavior in 2008 after the index donation using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of all donations, 64% were from first‐time donors. Donors with self‐reported previous donations tended to be male, older, and married; donated larger volume (≥300 mL); and were heavier in weight. Among donors who donated from January to March 2008, 14% returned for subsequent WB donations by the end of 2008. The number of previous donations and blood collection location were the two strongest predictors for making subsequent donations. Donors with one, two to three, and more than three previous donations were 3.7, 5.7, and 11.0 times more likely to return than first‐time donors. Those who donated in a blood collection vehicle were four times more likely to return than those who donated at a blood center. Being female, younger, and of a lower education level (middle school or less) were positively associated with subsequent return blood donation during the follow‐up period observed in this study. CONCLUSION: Most of the Chinese blood supply is from first‐time donors. Strategies aimed at encouraging current donors to become repeat donors are needed.     

Prevalence of serologic markers for hepatitis B and C viruses in Brazilian blood donors and incidence and residual risk of transfusion transmission of hepatitis C virus

BACKGROUND: We evaluate the current prevalence of serologic markers for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in blood donors and estimated HCV incidence and residual transfusion‐transmitted risk at three large Brazilian blood centers. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data on whole blood and platelet donations were collected from January through December 2007, analyzed by center; donor type; age; sex; donation status; and serologic results for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc), and anti‐HCV. HBV and HCV prevalence rates were calculated for all first‐time donations. HCV incidence was derived including interdonation intervals that preceded first repeat donations given during the study, and HCV residual risk was estimated for transfusions derived from repeat donors. RESULTS: There were 307,354 donations in 2007. Overall prevalence of concordant HBsAg and anti‐HBc reactivity was 289 per 100,000 donations and of anti‐HCV confirmed reactivity 191 per 100,000 donations. There were significant associations between older age and hepatitis markers, especially for HCV. HCV incidence was 3.11 (95% confidence interval, 0.77‐7.03) per 100,000 person‐years, and residual risk of HCV window‐phase infections was estimated at 5.0 per million units transfused. CONCLUSION: Improvement in donor selection, socioeconomic conditions, and preventive measures, implemented over time, may have helped to decrease prevalence of HBV and HCV, relative to previous reports. Incidence and residual risk of HCV are also diminishing. Ongoing monitoring of HBV and HCV markers among Brazilian blood donors should help guide improved recruitment procedures, donor selection, laboratory screening, and counseling strategies.     

Impact of a transfusion-related acute lung injury reduction strategy on apheresis platelet collections

Background: Most blood centers in the US have implemented transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) mitigation strategies for apheresis platelet (AP) donations based on theoretical impact of donor loss. The aim of this study is to determine the actual impact of a TRALI mitigation strategy in a US blood center. Study Design and Methods: Daily collection events and resulting products were retrospectively obtained before and after implementation of a TRALI reduction strategy (HLA antibody testing female AP donors four or more pregnancies) for comparison. The retention rate of reassigned donors was determined by reviewing whole blood (WB) and/or apheresis red blood cell (AR) donations post reassignment. Data were obtained to compare donor frequency and split rate from reassigned (historical data) and new AP donors. Results: Mean daily collections (27.7 vs. 30.0) and total products (12,211 vs. 12,957) were significantly higher after implementation, but the number of products/collection event was lower (1.49 vs. 1.40). Mean collections/donor/year (4.0 vs. 1.8) and split rate (36% vs. 27%) were historically higher for reassigned (n = 45) versus new AP donors (n = 1,090). Seventy‐three of 112 donors (65%) testing positive for HLA antibodies returned for WB or AR donations, 31 of 45 (69%) active AP donors returned. Conclusions: Donor loss may not be adequate to estimate impact on AP inventory, as donation characteristics may differ between new donors and those reassigned. We show successful implementation of a TRALI mitigation strategy by increasing collection goals and AP donor recruitment efforts beyond donor loss. Retaining the majority of reassigned donors is feasible. J. Clin. Apheresis 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

First-time blood donors: demographic trends

BACKGROUND: With changing demographics of the United States population and the continuous need to recruit new donors, it is important to monitor the demographic profile of first-time donors and to evaluate changes in the donor pool to improve recruitment targeting. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: First-time whole blood (n = 901,862) donors at five United States blood centers between 1991 and 1996 were analyzed. RESULTS: The total number of first-time donors appears to be decreasing. Over the 6-year period, there was an overall increase in the proportion of Hispanic and other minority first-time donors and a concurrent decrease in the proportion of white donors at Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study centers. Other variables, including age, sex, and education, did not show a consistent trend. CONCLUSION: The demographic profile of first-time donors is changing. These data highlight the importance for blood centers to continuously monitor the donor population. A better understanding of the donor population may help blood centers adjust their donor outreach, recruitment, and retention programs. New recruitment efforts appear needed to counter general apathy toward donating blood, and minority groups appear to be receptive to becoming blood donors.     

The effect of short-term, temporary deferral on future blood donation

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.     

Minority and foreign-born representation among US blood donors: demographics and donation frequency for 2006

BACKGROUND: Historically, minority populations have represented only a small proportion of US blood donors, but recent trends in immigration and potential blood shortages emphasize the need for recruitment strategies to increase minority donations.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donation data from a network of six US blood centers for 2006 were analyzed. Race/ethnicity, country of birth, and educational attainment data were collected specifically for the study and assessed for their influence on donation behavior. Logistic regression was used to determine independent associations with repeat donors status and annual donation frequency.
RESULTS: A total of 1,288,998 donations from 729,068 donors were studied; most donors had data on race/ethnicity (97.1%) and country of birth (93.1%). The proportion of minority donors differed by blood center, with African American donors (16%) most common at the Southeastern blood center and Asian (12%), Hispanic (13%), and foreign-born donors (13%) most common at the Northern California blood center. Minority donors and those born in Mexico or Latin America were younger than white donors. Minority and non–US-born donors were less likely than white and US-born donors to be repeat donors (odds ratio [OR], 0.60-0.78), and most were less likely to give two or more annual donations (OR, 0.82-1.11).
CONCLUSION: Minority and Mexico/Latin America–born donors represent a younger and often first-time donor population compared to white and US-born donors, but their annual donation frequency was only slightly lower than white and US-born donors. Increasing the retention and donation frequency of minorities will be important for supplementing the blood supply.     

Demographic characteristics and risks for transfusion-transmissible infection among blood donors in Xinjiang autonomous region, People's Republic of China

BACKGROUND: The recruitment and retention of voluntary, nonremunerated blood donors continues to be a challenge in China. Understanding donor demographics and donor characteristics is crucial for any blood center in developing strategies to recruit potential donors. STUDY DESIGN and METHODS: The study population included all 29,784 whole blood donors from January 1 to December 31, 2003, at the Urumqi City Blood Center or one of its mobile blood collection buses. Demographic data, location, and frequency of donation and results of testing for transfusion-transmissible infection (TTI) were evaluated. RESULTS: The typical blood donor in Urumqi is male, less than 36 years of age, and Han Chinese; has at least a high school education; is a first-time donor; and donated at a mobile blood collection bus. The majority, 71 percent, were first-time donors. Among all donors, the seroprevalence rate of TTI was 3.5 percent for first-time donors, 2.7 percent for donors who donated twice, and 2.1 percent for donors who had donated three or more times. Han Chinese had lower seroprevalence rates of TTIs than ethnic minorities. Lower seroprevalence rates of TTIs were found among donors at mobile buses than at the blood centers. CONCLUSION: Similar to other donor populations, higher rates of TTIs were observed among first-time donors, and the prevalence decreased among repeated donors. One possible strategy for improving the safety of the blood supply might be for the blood center to recruit a cadre of donors who donate repeatedly, instead of relying on campaigns to recruit new donors from workplaces at each donation cycle.     

The relative safety of automated two-unit red blood cell procedures and manual whole-blood collection in young donors

BACKGROUND: Automated red blood cell (RBC) apheresis offers the advantage of collecting 2 units of RBCs (2RBC) from one donation, but may expose donors to procedure-related risks. This study evaluated the relative safety of 2RBC compared to whole-blood (WB) donation with a focus on young donors.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Adverse reactions recorded at the collection site or requiring outside medical care were compared after 4,348,686 WB and 206,570 2RBC donations in 26 regional blood centers.
RESULTS: 2RBC donors were more likely than WB donors to be male (91.6% vs. 50.3%) and repeat donors (84.0% vs. 81.0%). The overall complication rate was higher for 2RBC than WB collections (627.9 vs. 435.1 per 10,000; odds ratio [OR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-1.47), but more than 96% of all reactions were minor in severity. For donors younger than 20 years, adverse events were equally or less common after 2RBC than after WB donation, but were more common after 2RBC for donors 20 years or older. The rate of major systemic complications was significantly lower for 2RBC than WB donations in all age groups (10.2 vs. 14.3 per 10,000 collections; OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.62-0.82). Overall, the need for outside medical care was similar for 2RBC and WB collections (3.4 vs. 4.2 per 10,000 donations, respectively), but significantly less likely after 2RBC donation for donors less than 20 years old (3.8 vs. 7.0. per 10,000 donations; OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32-0.89).
CONCLUSION: 2RBC collection procedures, as currently performed in the American Red Cross, are associated with fewer immediate adverse reactions in young donors and have a comparable safety profile in older donors. These data support the collection of 2RBC from young donors.     

BLOOD COMPONENTS: The quality of stored umbilical cord and adult‐donated whole blood in Mombasa,Kenya

BACKGROUND: In sub‐Saharan Africa umbilical cord blood may be a useful source of blood for transfusion. Before clinical trials, evidence is needed that cord blood donations, which vary greatly in volume, can be collected and stored into a fixed volume of anticoagulant‐preservative solution obviating the need for prestorage processing. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty‐four umbilical cord whole blood (UC‐WB) donations were collected into 21 mL of CPDA‐1 and refrigerated for 35 days. The Kenya Blood Transfusion Service provided 12 adult‐donated whole blood (AD‐WB) controls. Supernatant hemoglobin (Hb) and potassium were assayed at 7‐day intervals. RESULTS: UC‐WB red blood cell hemolysis and potassium loss increased throughout storage but did not differ significantly with cord blood volume. Hemolysis rates did not differ significantly between UC‐WB and AD‐WB but UC‐WB potassium loss was slightly but significantly greater than AD‐WB on Days 2, 7, and 14 (p < 0.05). In the AD‐WB controls, eight were low volume (<405 mL), two had total Hb of less than 45 g, and two showed hemolysis greater than 0.8% by Day 28. CONCLUSION: Variable volumes of UC‐WB can be stored for 35 days without prestorage processing and further work into its suitability for transfusion to children is justified. The quality of conventional AD‐WB is a concern and needs further evaluation.     

Effect of increasing hemoglobin cutoff in male donors and increasing interdonation interval in whole blood donors at a hospital-based blood donor center

BACKGROUND: The NHANES‐III survey found hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations of more than 13.5 g/dL and more than 12.0 g/dL in normal Caucasian males and females. In the United States, a Hb of least 12.5 g/dL is required for blood donation, which allows “anemic” males to donate while excluding “normal” females. Low Hb is the major cause of deferral in donors and deferrals are associated with decreased donor return rates. Additionally, frequent blood donations are associated with depletion of body iron stores. Analysis of the effect of various Hb cutoffs and interdonation intervals on our center's blood supply is presented. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Whole blood donor data for a 12‐month period were studied. Potential effects on the blood supply by increasing male Hb eligibility levels and/or increasing the interdonation interval were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 13,519 individuals (females, 56%) donated 30,678 units (mean frequency, male 2.7 and females 2.1) with the majority (42%) donating once. Increasing the male Hb eligibility to at least 13.5 g/dL will decrease collections by 1457 (5%) units. In addition, decreasing the female Hb eligibility to at least 12.0 g/dL will result in total gain of 307 (1%) units. Considering 12‐week interdonation interval and Hb eligibility of at least 13.5 g/dL (male) and at least 12.5 g/dL (female) results in decrease of 11% (3352) units. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the Hb cutoff for male donors and/or interdonation interval for all donors will decrease available blood, some of which may be reduced by decreasing the Hb cutoff for females to at least 12.0 g/dL. As a majority of the donors donate only once with mean donation frequency being 2.4, it may be possible to overcome this shortfall by targeted recruitment of donors donating once.     

Interdonation intervals and patterns of return among blood donors in Brazil

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, most donations come from repeat donors, but there are little data on return behavior of donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donors who made at least one whole blood donation in 2007 were followed for 2 years using a large multicenter research database. Donation frequency, interdonation intervals, and their association with donor demographics, status, and type of donation were examined among three large blood centers in Brazil, two in the southeast and one in the northeast. RESULTS: In 2007, of 306,770 allogeneic donations, 38.9% came from 95,127 first‐time donors and 61.1% from 149,664 repeat donors. Through December 31, 2009, a total of 28.1% of first‐time donors and 56.5% of repeat donors had donated again. Overall, the median interdonation interval was approximately 6 months. Among men it was 182 and 171 days for first‐time and repeat donors, and among women, 212 and 200 days. Predictors of return behavior among first‐time donors were male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13‐1.20), community donation (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 2.20‐2.33), and age 24 years or less (OR, 0.62‐0.89 for donors ≥25 years). Among repeat donors predictors were male sex (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.32‐1.39), age 35 years or more (OR, 1.08‐1.18 vs. ≤24 years), and community donation (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 2.33‐2.44). Differences in return by geographic region were evident with higher return rates in the northeast of Brazil. CONCLUSION: These data highlight the need to develop improved communication strategies for first‐time and replacement donors to convert them into repeat community donors.     

The increasing prevalence of serologic markers for syphilis among Chinese blood donors in 2008 through 2010 during a syphilis epidemic

BACKGROUND: In China, the growing syphilis epidemic parallels the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the general population. This study evaluated the prevalence and incidence of serologic markers for syphilis among donors at five Chinese blood centers. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We examined whole blood and apheresis donations collected from January 2008 through December 2010. Postdonation testing of syphilis was conducted using two different Treponema pallidum antibody enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. The prevalence of serologic markers for syphilis (%), and the rate of coinfection with HIV‐1/2, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were calculated. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted examining donor characteristics associated with positive syphilis serology. Seroconversion rate and syphilis incidence were estimated. RESULTS: Of 801,511 donations, 60% were from first‐time donors and 40% were from repeat donors. There was a significant increase in syphilis serologic markers among first‐time donors with 0.41, 0.45, and 0.57% positivity over 3 years (p < 0.001). Approximately 2.8, 0.8, and 0.5% of HIV‐1/2–, HBV‐, and HCV‐positive donations also tested reactive for syphilis. Logistic regression results suggest that first‐time donors were nine times more likely to be syphilis positive than repeat donors. Higher syphilis positivity was associated with donors older than 25 years and with less education. Estimated incidence among repeat donations was 33 (95% confidence interval, 29‐39) per 100,000 person‐years. CONCLUSION: The increase in syphilis serologic prevalence reflected the syphilis epidemic in the general population. Without screening, most of these syphilis‐positive donations would get into the blood supply. Thus, during a syphilis epidemic, continued syphilis screening of blood donations may be important to maintain blood safety and public health.     

Motivations to donate blood: demographic comparisons

BACKGROUND: Understanding blood donor motivations is crucial to improving effectiveness of donor recruitment and retention programs. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data from a 1998 survey of 92,581 U.S. blood donors were used to evaluate factors influencing the decision to donate in various demographic groups. Data were weighted to adjust for response and sample design. RESULTS: Of 52,650 respondents, 45,588 gave whole-blood (WB) donations. Among all demographic groups, the major reasons to donate were altruism (75-87%) and awareness of the need for blood (34-43%). Except for first-time donors and those 相似文献   

Impact of the May 12, 2008, earthquake on blood donations across five Chinese blood centers

BACKGROUND: On May 12, 2008, a severe earthquake struck China's Sichuan Province. The nationwide outpouring of charity resulted in a surge of subsequent blood donations. The quantity and quality of these donations were examined in comparison with routine donations. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Whole blood and apheresis donations from five geographically different blood centers collected within 1 week postearthquake were compared with those collected during the rest of the year. Regional differences, demographic characteristics, first‐time and repeat donor status, and infectious disease screening markers associated with these donations were compared by earthquake status using chi‐square statistics. Poisson regression analysis examined the number of daily donations by earthquake status after adjusting for center, day of week, and seasonal variations. RESULTS: The number of daily donations across five blood centers increased from 685 on a typical day to 1151 in the postearthquake week. The surge was observed in both sexes and across different education levels, age, and ethnicity groups and three blood centers and was significant after adjusting for confounding covariates. The influx of first‐time donors (89.5%) was higher than that of repeat donors (34%). There was a significant change in the overall screening reactive marker rates excluding alanine aminotransferase (2.06% vs. 1.72%% vs. 4.96%). However, when the individual screening test was analyzed separately, no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: Timely donations in response to a disaster are crucial to ensure emergency blood transfusion. The dramatically increased postearthquake donations suggest that Chinese blood centers are capable of handling emergency blood needs. Measures to maintain blood safety should be taken in times of emergency.     

The impact of H1N1 influenza A virus pandemic on the blood donations in Hyogo Prefecture,Japan

BACKGROUND: The impact of the H1N1 influenza on blood donation is unknown. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We examined number of blood donors presenting to blood donation centers or bloodmobiles using a blood donation database of Red Cross Hyogo Prefectural Blood Center between 4 weeks before and after May 16, 2009, respectively, when the first case of H1N1 influenza was confirmed in Kobe. The numbers of blood donors per donation site (i.e., blood donation centers and bloodmobiles) and per blood products (i.e., red blood cells [RBCs], platelet [PLT]‐poor plasma, and PLTs) were also examined. RESULTS: The number of blood donors decreased by 21% and whole blood donations declined by 1329 units within 1 week of the first case of H1N1 influenza. While number of blood donors showed a rapid decrease, blood donations returned to the normal level within 1 week. This quick recovery was attributed to the diligent efforts made by Red Cross Centers, including the use of e‐mail to encourage blood donation, on‐the‐street campaigns, and requesting new bloodmobile drives in workplaces and universities. RBCs that were donated in bloodmobiles was predominantly affected; the number of blood donors in bloodmobiles decreased by 39%. CONCLUSION: H1N1 influenza pandemic had a great but transient impact on blood donation.     

The American Red Cross donor hemovigilance program: complications of blood donation reported in 2006

BACKGROUND: The American Red Cross (ARC) initiated a comprehensive donor hemovigilance program in 2003. We provide an overview of reported complications after whole blood (WB), apheresis platelet (PLT), or automated red cell (R2) donation and analyze factors contributing to the variability in reported complication rates in our national program. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Complications recorded at the collection site or reported after allogeneic WB, apheresis PLT, and R2 donation procedures in 36 regional blood centers in 2006 were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Complications after 6,014,472 WB, 449,594 PLT, and 228,183 R2 procedures totaled 209,815, 25,966, and 12,282 (348.9, 577.5, and 538.3 per 10,000 donations), respectively, the vast majority of which were minor presyncopal reactions and small hematomas. Regional center, donor age, sex, and donation status were independently associated with complication rates after WB, PLT, and R2 donation. Seasonal variability in complications rates after WB and R2 donation correlated with the proportion of donors under 20 years old. Excluding large hematomas, the overall rate of major complications was 7.4, 5.2, and 3.3 per 10,000 collections for WB, PLT, and R2 procedures, respectively. Outside medical care was recorded at similar rates for both WB and automated collections (3.2 vs. 2.9 per 10,000 donations, respectively). CONCLUSION: The ARC data describe the current risks of blood donation in a model multicenter hemovigilance system using standardized definitions and reporting protocols. Reported reaction rates varied by regional center independently of donor demographics, limiting direct comparison of different regional blood centers.     

AIDS knowledge and beliefs related to blood donation in US adults: results from a national telephone survey

BACKGROUND: Misperceptions about the risk of contracting AIDS from donating blood may be preventing people from donating, while incorrect beliefs about AIDS screening tests or the appropriateness of donating with risk factors may place the blood supply at increased risk. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Questions about AIDS transmission and testing and the acceptability of test seeking and donating with risk factors were asked in the National Community Health Survey, a telephone survey of 9859 US adults. Results were weighted to represent the US population. Demographic and donor status (current, lapsed, never) differences in knowledge and attitudes were examined using chi‐square and logistic regression. RESULTS: Nearly 25% of respondents thought it was somewhat or very likely that they could get AIDS from donating blood. Almost 80% knew that all blood donations are tested for AIDS, but only 65.5% knew about the test window period. A total of 33.5% felt that it was acceptable to use the blood center for AIDS testing, while 9.1% believed that it was okay for someone to donate even if they had AIDS risk behaviors; all had significant demographic and donor status differences. CONCLUSIONS: While there are many factors that prevent people from giving blood, the incorrect belief that it is possible to contract AIDS from donating is likely a barrier to donation. If blood centers dispelled this myth among those who have never donated, especially among minorities, it could be important for recruitment. In addition, our findings indicate that changes to education or recruitment could be needed to discourage test seeking and donations from risky donors.     

Matching blood donations to type-specific product needs: A recruitment technique

The conversion of multiple whole blood donors to apheresis donors is a challenge since a rapidly expanding apheresis donor base could erode homologous collections. We addressed this concern with a plan to enhance apheresis recruitment as well as donations among homologous donors with types O and B blood. Focusing the donor's attention on blood type as it relates to type-specific product needs was the basis of our approach. A matrix was used to recruit the desired types for the desired procedures (whole blood, platelet/plasma apheresis). The matrix instructed donors of blood types O, A-, and B- to primarily give whole blood and to give apheresis as a secondary donation. Donors AB, A+, and B+ were primarily directed to apheresis donations, whole blood donation being secondary. A+ and O- donors only gave their secondary donation if they were at maximum donations with the primary donation. The collections by blood type in percentages for 12 months of 1992/93 for whole blood were O+ 38.9, 0- 7.3, A+ 29.5, A- 5.7, B+ 11.9, B- 2.1, AB+ 3.7, AB+ 0.7. For apheresis it was 0+ 36.2, 0- 6.7, A+ 33.0, A- 6.6, B+ 10.4, B- 1.2, AB+ 4.9, AB+ 1.0. In 1992/93, A+ and B+ apheresis collections as compared to total apheresis collections increased by 4.9% and 13.7%, respectively. For O group apheresis donations, a decrease of 2.5% was shown and A+ whole blood donations decreased by 5.35%. During the same period of time, total apheresis collections increased by 3,058 units. We demonstrated that integration of apheresis recruitment with type-specific whole blood recruitment yielded significant increases of type-specific products.     

A prospective study of blood donations in healthy elderly persons

Iron stores were observed in 57 healthy elderly volunteers, between 63 and 77 years of age, who donated 5 units of blood over approximately 1 year. An equal number of nondonors who contributed approximately 7 mL of blood at each visit for iron status measurements only were seen at the same frequency as the donor population. At entrance to the study, iron stores in women and men averaged 724 and 875 mg, respectively. After five donations, mean iron stores dropped to 67 mg in women (n = 27) and 362 mg in men (n = 30); four women (15%) became iron deficient, while two (7%) developed iron deficiency anemia. Three men (10%) developed iron deficiency, but none were found to be anemic. Mean intakes of iron were 23.3 and 22.5 mg per day, respectively, for women and men. Iron intakes were adequate to meet iron requirements of nondonors, but they were not sufficient to halt the steady decrease in iron stores among the donor population, in whom iron absorption increased from approximately 5 percent at entrance to 14 percent at the time of the fifth donation. In summary, healthy elderly persons may contribute to the national blood resource; however, donations should probably be limited to less than five per year or donors should regularly take an iron supplement to preserve reasonable amounts of iron reserves.