BARRIERS TO BENEVOLENCE: EXPLORING THE REASONS FOR BLOOD DONOR DEFERRALS IN THE SOUTHERN ODISHA REGION
Main Article Content
Keywords
Voluntary Blood Donor, Predonation, Postdonation, Temporary Deferred, Permanently Deferred.
Abstract
Background
The blood donor selection is vital for the safety of donors and recipients as well as for maintaining an adequate blood supply. A detailed evaluation of various causes of blood donor deferral may help medical personnel limit the barriers that disrupt blood donation.
Aims & objective
To analyze various causes of blood donor deferral among blood donors. The primary objective is to estimate the various reasons for donor deferral during the screening process before and after blood donation.
Method
This is a prospective observational study for six months, from July 2024 to December 2024, at the Odisha Blood Centre, MKCG Medical College and Hospital (MKCG MCH), Berhampur, Odisha. This study includes all deferred blood donors, both predonation deferral during the screening process and post-donation deferral during the specified period.
Results
During the study period, 20708 blood donors were screened. 20267 donors were accepted for blood donation, and 441 no. of donors were deferred on predonation screening, and 620 no. of donors were deferred on post donation from the selected blood donors.Among 441 predonation deferrals, 411(93.2%) were temporary deferrals and 30(6.8%) were permanent deferrals. Deferred due to low hemoglobin108 (26.27%), Tattoos 65 (15.81%), and 50 (12.16%) due to underweight were the leading causes for temporary predonation deferral.30 donors (6.4%) were permanently deferred; the most common cause was endocrine disorders, 17(3.85%), predominantly due to thyroid dysfunction, 9(30%), and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, 8(26.66%) during predonation screening. In postdonation deferral 620 donors (3.05%) were deferred due to detection of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) as follows: HBV 392 (1.93%), Syphilis (VDRL) 173 (0.85%), HIV 32 (0.15%), HCV 20 (0.09%), were deferred permanently and Malaria parasite 3 (0.01%) were deferred for a temporary period.
Conclusion
To significantly improve donor eligibility and retention rates, we must decisively tackle modifiable deferral causes-especially low hemoglobin levels, underweight status, and tattoo-related exclusions. By investing in targeted pre-donation education, focused interventions, and enhanced community outreach, we can create a more inclusive and effective donor environment that benefits everyone involved.
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Dr. Rashmita Panigrahi
Assistant Professor, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India
Dr. Somanath Sethi
Assistant Professor Department of Community Medicine, Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College & Hospital, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India
Dr. Chinmaya Ranjan Swain
Postgraduate Resident, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India
Dr. Manu Mangat Marandi
Senior Resident, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India
Dr. Sabita Palai
Professor & HOD, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India
Dr. Rekharani Sethy
Phd Scientist, Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College & Hospital, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India