Donor deferral and return patterns – a South African perspective

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDonor eligibility assessment and subsequent return after deferral are key in maintaining an adequate and safe blood supply. Eligibility criteria should be reviewed regularly to ensure regional relevance and impact on donor deferral and return. Large‐scale studies investigating donor deferral and return in Africa are currently lacking.Study design and methodsOperationally collected blood donation data on whole blood donations at the South African National Blood Service during the five years from January 2015 to December 2019 were extracted and analysed. Separate multivariable logistic regression models for factors associated with donor deferral and donor return were developed.ResultsOf the 5 068 638 donor presentations, 869 840 (17·2%) resulted in deferral of which out of range haemoglobin was most common (45·9%). New (aOR 3·99; 95% CI 3·97–4·01), female (aOR 2·51; 95% CI 2·50–2·53) and Black African (aOR 1·90; 95% CI 1·89–1·91) donors had greater odds of being deferred compared to Repeat, male and White donors, respectively. Of the donors deferred during 2015–2018, 328 306 (47·2%) returned within 12 months. Odds of returning increased with increasing age. Lower odds of return were noted among female (aOR 0·82; 95% CI 0·81–0·83) and Black African (aOR 0·75; 95% CI 0·74–0·76) donors.ConclusionWe confirmed high proportions of deferral among SANBS donors with almost half returning within 12 month. Donor deferral and return patterns differed significantly by donor characteristics, the latter also by deferral indication. Further understanding the interaction between haemoglobin deferral and changing donor demographics may assist in refining eligibility criteria and recruitment efforts.