Comfortable environment for blood donation lowers the rate of vasovagal reactions

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesTo evaluate the possible effects of environmental surroundings on blood donor reactions, we analysed vasovagal reaction rates before and after renovation of the Yurakucho Blood Donation Center in Tokyo.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study based on data stored in a computerized database. The vasovagal reaction rates associated with blood donation during two separate 3‐year periods were compared, that is prior to (October 2007 to September 2010) and after (October 2010 to September 2013) the renovation of the Yurakucho Blood Donation Center. The renovation included the following interventions: (1) expansion of the phlebotomy area from 188·0 to 322·4 m2 to accommodate 22 beds; (2) expansion of the reception/lounge area from 155·2 to 267·1 m2 with modification for a more relaxed atmosphere; and 3) addition of well‐controlled air conditioning.ResultsThe total reaction rate decreased from 0·65% (1302 reactions/200 181 donations) to 0·32% (606 reactions/191 966 donations) before and after the renovation, respectively, representing a 51% reduction (P < 0·001). During the pre‐intervention period, reaction rates in winter were higher than those in other seasons, and the reaction rate was correlated with room temperature. It was also suggested that environmental factors other than room temperature might play an important role. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of risk factors demonstrated that the male gender was the strongest favourable factor and young age was the next to strongest favourable factor.ConclusionOur results suggest that providing a comfortable environment for blood donation may lead to fewer vasovagal reactions.