Post-donation telephonic interview of blood donors providing an insight into delayed adverse reactions: First attempt in India

Background: Blood donor experiences both immediate adverse reactions (IAR) and delayed adverse reactions (DAR). With limited published data available on the incidence of DAR, a study was conducted to estimate incidence and profile of DAR through telephonic interview.

Materials and methods: Study was conducted over a 45-day period for consecutive volunteer whole blood donations at tertiary care hospital. Donors were divided into first-time, repeat and regular and were monitored for IAR. They were given written copy of post-donation advice. Donors were contacted telephonically three weeks post-donation and enquired about general wellbeing and specific DAR in accordance with a standard n international (International Society of Blood Transfusion) standard format.

Results: Donors participated in the study of which 1.6% donors experienced an IAR. Much larger number reported DAR (10.3% vs.1.6% p<0.0001). Further, DAR was presented as a variegated profile with bruise, painful arms and fatigue being the commonest. DARs were more common in females than males (25% vs. 10.3%, p<0.02). Localized DAR like bruise and painful arms were more common in younger donors (age <50 years) whereas systemic DAR like fatigue was common in older donors (>50 years). First time (12.3%) and repeat donors (13.5%) had similar frequency of DAR but were lower among regular donors (6.7%).

Conclusion: DARs are more common than IAR and are of different profile. Post-donation interview has provided an insight into donor experiences and can be used as a valuable tool in donor hemovigilance.