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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Halperin
D
D
American Red Cross Blood Services, Southeastern Michigan Region, Detroit, USA.
Baetens
J
J
Newman
B
B
D001782:Blood Donors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D006801:Humans