Study of the incidence and characteristics of blood donor "reactors".

Abstract

Analysis of “reactor” and control groups of blood bank donors reveals from a statistical standpoint younger donors, particularly female, with a previous history of fainting are more prone to reaction. The “reactor” group had a tendency toward a higher pulse rate and pulse pressure and a lower diastolic pressure before bleeding. Race, blood type and body temperature did not influence the incidence of reactions. It was three times more likely for a one‐time “reactor” to have a subsequent reaction than for a control donor. This distinct tendency toward multiple “reactors” makes it very probable that there exists a “reactor‐prone” type. The fundamental cause of the reaction as well as the defect in the “reaction‐prone” donor are unknown. Closer study of “multiple reactors” would seem to be a profitable approach to the donor reaction problem.