Donor Selection Criteria Research Articles

Frequency of Transfusion Transmitted Infection among Healthy Blood Donors Attending Transfusion Medicine Department of Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College

Background: Transfusion of blood and blood components, as a specialized modality of patient management, saves millions of lives worldwide each year and reduces morbidity. Transmission of infectious diseases through donated blood is of concern in order to provide safe blood for transfusion which forms an integral part of medical and surgical therapy. The aim of the present study was to analyze the status of transfusion-transmitted infections among the apparently healthy donors to increase awareness of complications of blood transfusion and make the clinicians more vigilant with regard to judicious use of blood. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Transfusion Medicine at Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College from January to December 2022. After proper ethical consideration, a total of 7,289 blood donors were included in this study. All the samples were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 1 and 2, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL) and malaria to determine the prevalence of TTI. All the healthy blood donors were 18 to 60 years old. Results: The prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) HCV and syphilis was 3.014% and 0.109%, respectively. No blood donor tested positive for malarial parasites or HIV. Strictly maintain the donor selection criteria and mandatory screening of the donor’s blood for HBV, HCV, HIV, malaria and syphilis using sensitive laboratory screening tests to reduce the incidence of TTI in the Bangladeshi population and to ensure the safety of the blood for the recipient. Conclusion: Strictly maintain the donor selection criteria and mandatory screening of the donor’s blood for HBV, HCV, HIV, malaria and syphilis using sensitive laboratory screening tests to reduce the incidence of TTI in the Bangladeshi population and to ensure the safety of the blood for the recipient. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.23 (2); July 2024; Page 49-52

Age-Related Effects of Donor on Corneal Transplantation and Clinical Study of Causal Allograft Rejection in Pakistan

Background: Corneal transplantation is a widely performed surgical procedure for treating corneal blindness. Donor-related factors, particularly age, are known to influence graft survival and rejection rates. While younger donor corneas exhibit higher endothelial cell density, their potential for increased immunogenicity remains a concern. This study evaluates the impact of donor age on corneal transplantation outcomes in Pakistan. Objective: To assess the influence of donor age on graft clarity, visual acuity, and allograft rejection rates following corneal transplantation. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from February 2013 to June 2016 in collaboration with the Rawalpindi Eye Donor Organization, The Shifa Eye Trust, and Saba Deseret Eye Hospital. A total of 300 patients underwent corneal transplantation, categorized by donor age: <40 years (n=105), 40–60 years (n=120), and >60 years (n=75). Surgical techniques included Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) (70%), Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) (20%), and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) (10%). Postoperative outcomes were assessed at 12 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25, with chi-square tests for categorical variables and logistic regression for predictors of rejection. Results: At 12 months, 80% (n=240) of grafts remained clear, while 20% (n=60) developed opacity. Visual acuity improved to 20/40 or better in 85% (n=255) of patients. The overall rejection rate was 15% (n=45), highest in young donor grafts (21%), followed by middle-aged (13%) and older donor grafts (8%) (p=0.046). Patients undergoing DSEK and DMEK had significantly lower rejection rates than PK (p<0.01). Conclusion: Donor age did not significantly affect graft clarity or visual acuity but influenced rejection rates, with younger donor grafts exhibiting a higher risk. Advanced surgical techniques and postoperative steroid management improved outcomes. Future research should focus on optimizing donor selection criteria and long-term graft survival strategies.

Therapeutic application of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells in childhood acute myeloid leukemia

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic intervention in the management of childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly for patients with refractory or relapsed disease, demonstrating superior survival outcomes compared to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy approaches. The integration of meticulously designed pre-treatment conditioning regimens with allo-HSCT has significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy and disease control. However, despite substantial advancements in transplant protocols and supportive care, post-transplant relapse persists as a predominant challenge, accounting for considerable treatment-related mortality. Current research endeavors are increasingly focused on elucidating the mechanisms underlying disease recurrence and developing innovative post-transplant maintenance strategies, including targeted therapies and immunomodulatory approaches. Furthermore, ongoing optimization of donor selection criteria, graft-versus-leukemia effect enhancement, and personalized treatment algorithms are crucial for improving long-term outcomes. This review examines the mechanistic basis of allo-HSCT, explores current applications in pediatric AML, and discusses strategies for relapse prevention and maintenance therapy, highlighting the critical need for continued translational research to refine therapeutic protocols and improve survival rates in this vulnerable patient population.

Effects of clinical donor characteristics on the success of faecal microbiota transplantation for patients in Denmark with Clostridioides difficile infection: a single-centre, prospective cohort study.

Effects of clinical donor characteristics on the success of faecal microbiota transplantation for patients in Denmark with Clostridioides difficile infection: a single-centre, prospective cohort study.

Investigating the impact of mitochondrial DNA: Insights into blood transfusion reactions and mitigation strategies.

Although transfusion reactions occur in less than 2% of recipients, they are currently one of the most serious concerns in blood transfusion. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are released from injured, stressed or dead cells, leading to inflammation and immune system activation. One of the recognized DAMPs is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). It is found in various blood products, including fresh frozen plasma (FFP), red blood cell units (RBCUs) and platelet concentrates (PCs), and can induce adverse reactions in recipients by stimulating the innate immune system and inflammatory cellular pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the release of mtDNA in various blood products and its subsequent impact on transfusion reactions. In this study, mtDNA, mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA DAMPs, extracellular mtDNA, blood products, blood components and transfusion reactions between 2009 and 2023 were searched in Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus databases. This study has demonstrated the presence of mtDNA in the extracellular milieu of various blood products, including PCs, FFP and RBCUs. Understanding the determinants of mtDNA release and its implications for transfusion safety is critical. Strategies aimed at reducing mtDNA release, such as optimizing preparation techniques and donor selection criteria, hold promise for reducing transfusion-related complications. By addressing these factors, healthcare providers can enhance the safety and efficacy of blood transfusion practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Making the Case for New Donor Selection Criteria in CKDu Endemic Areas: A Crucial Step for Sustainable Kidney Transplantation in Sri Lanka.

Making the Case for New Donor Selection Criteria in CKDu Endemic Areas: A Crucial Step for Sustainable Kidney Transplantation in Sri Lanka.

Chinese guidelines for minimally invasive donor hepatectomy in living donor liver transplantation (2024 edition).

Minimally invasive surgeries are increasingly central to modern medicine, particularly in liver transplantation. These techniques, which offer reduced trauma, precise operations, minimal bleeding, and swift recovery, are, however, unevenly adopted across China. Only a limited number of centers routinely perform minimally invasive donor hepatectomies, indicating a significant imbalance in the development and application of these advanced procedures. Additionally, there lacks a set of standardized guidelines that are tailored to meet China's unique healthcare challenges and conditions. In August 2023, the Branch of Organ Transplant of Chinese Medical Association and the Branch of Organ Transplant Physicians of Chinese Medical Doctor Association convened a group of national liver transplantation experts to establish a guideline development committee. This committee conducted a thorough review of relevant literature, evaluated existing guidelines and consensus, and assessed factors such as the evidence base, patient preferences, and the cost-effectiveness of interventions within China. After multiple rounds of discussions, both online and offline, the committee finalized the guidelines. This collaborative effort led to the creation of the "Chinese guidelines for minimally invasive donor hepatectomy in living donor liver transplantation (2024 edition)". These guidelines address crucial aspects such as the safety and advantages of minimally invasive surgery for living donor liver transplantation, donor selection criteria, anesthesia strategies, surgical technical details, and learning curves associated with these procedures, resulting in a comprehensive set of 26 recommendations. The formulation of these guidelines represents a significant advancement towards standardizing minimally invasive liver transplantation surgeries in China. They are designed to enhance outcomes for both donors and recipients by synthesizing expert consensus with contemporary research and clinical practices. Moreover, they serve as a crucial reference for surgeons and medical institutions, promoting the refinement and adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques in liver transplantation.

SP6.9 - Assessing European Pancreas Transplant Practices to Optimize Patient Outcomes

Abstract Purpose Practise variability exists in pancreas transplantation, but the extent across the EU is unknown. We surveyed pancreas transplant surgeons to assess current practices. Methods A 40-question survey was sent to 84 surgeons at 17 centres in 8 EU countries. Validity and reliability were analysed. Variability was evaluated using descriptive statistics and random effects modelling. Results The response rate was 92% (78/84). The survey demonstrated good validity and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.82). Substantial variability existed in donor selection criteria such as acceptable BMI (range <10 to 35) and age (<30 to >60 years). Back-bench preparation also varied, including arterial reconstruction (52% continuous vs. 48% interrupted sutures) and duodenal closure (66% always buried staple line, 34% not). Systemic portal venous drainage was most common (70%), but 22% used portal drainage. Post-operative anticoagulation varied from 1 week to 3 months in duration. Random effects modelling found significant variability attributable to individual surgeons, centres, and case factors. Conclusions This rigorous survey identified modifiable targets to improve the quality and consistency of pancreas transplantation across the EU. Standardised best practise guidelines should focus on reducing variability in donor selection, back-bench preparation, surgical techniques, and post-operative management. Volume of Pancreas Transplants Performed Annually per CenterNumber of Transplants PerformedRespondents, n (%)<1036 (46%)11-2016 (21%)21-4013 (17%)41-608 (10%)605 (6%) Surgical Experience of RespondentsNumber of PancreasTransplants Performed AnnuallyRespondents, n (%)<24 (5%)2-528 (36%)6-817 (22%)8-129 (12%)1520 (26%)

Analysis of Rates and Reasons of Whole Blood Donor Deferral at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Safe blood donors form the backbone of safe blood transfusion services. Donor eligibility policies are a critical layer of blood safety designed to ensure selection of healthy donors and to protect recipients from any harm. Aim: Analysis of rates and reasons of blood donor deferral at a tertiary care hospital in north India. Methodology: The present study is a retrospective study done in a tertiary care centre in Jammu region. The data was collected over a period of 2 years from January 2018 to December 2019.The various causes for deferral of the donor from donation were collected from donor deferral register which was recorded using regular questionnaire- based interview in the registration card followed by thorough medical history elicitation and minimal physical examination. Result: The total number of potential donors screened during the study period were 4728, out of which 532 were deferred because of various reasons. The deferral rate was calculated to be 11.25%.The mean age of deferred donors was 31.2±8.4 years. Most common cause for deferral both among males and females was low Haemoglobin level (less than 12.5gm %) i.e., 28.58%, followed by alcohol intake in last 24 hrs i.e., 11.09%, history of medication (6.2%); medical causes (5.83%); and Jaundice 5.26%. Deferral rate was found to be more among replacement donors (18.98%) than voluntary donors (6.62%). The permanent deferral was 16.65%. Conclusion: The deferral rate in this study is comparable to the deferral rates in other centres. The data will be very essential and helpful in testing the applicability of donor selection criteria. By identification of the causes for temporary deferrals, appropriate measures can be put in place to motivate and inform these potential donors to return for blood donation at a later date after the underlying cause has been rectified. Keywords: Blood donor deferral, permanent deferral, temporary deferral

The Role of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in IBD.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis has a critical role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases, prompting the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches like fecal microbiota transplantation, which involves the transfer of fecal microbiota from a healthy donor to a recipient with the aim of restoring a balanced microbial community and attenuating inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation may exert beneficial effects in inflammatory bowel disease through modulation of immune responses, restoration of mucosal barrier integrity, and alteration of microbial metabolites. It could alter disease course and prevent flares, although long-term durability and safety data are lacking. This review provides a summary of current evidence on fecal microbiota transplantation in inflammatory bowel disease management, focusing on its challenges, such as variability in donor selection criteria, standardization of transplant protocols, and long-term outcomes post-transplantation.

Gambaran Pengetahuan Dasar Tentang Kriteria Seleksi Donor Pada Mahasiswa Kampus Megarezky, Makassar

Selection criteria for donors are important to know before conducting blood donation activities. The purpose of this research is to describe the level of basic knowledge of donor selection criteria among students at Megarezky Makassar campus. This research is a descriptive study aimed at describing the percentage of basic knowledge of blood donor selection criteria among students at Megarezky campus. Data were obtained through a questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The research was conducted in June 2024. The sample size in this research was 65 students from Megarezky Health Polytechnic and Megarezky University. The data were analyzed using SPSS data processing application. Descriptive analysis results from the 65 student respondents in this research show that the majority were female, 46 (70.8%), while the males were 19 (29.2%). The donor selection criteria include age, blood type, and knowledge level. Regarding the distribution of students' knowledge levels related to donor selection criteria, all respondents had good knowledge. Knowledge can be influenced by two factors: internal factors such as education level, occupation, and age, and external factors such as environment and culture. Future research should conduct further studies to understand the knowledge about blood donation and the interest in donating among students.

Determining the strength of evidence for an association between sexual indicators and risk of acquiring HIV and sexually transmitted infections: Providing evidence for blood donation policy change.

In 2019 the For The Assessment Of Individualised Risk (FAIR) project began a review of UK blood donor selection policy to determine if a more individualised approach to donor selection could be safely implemented. An evidence base was required to inform selection policy to move from a population to a more individual based policy, specifically what sexual behaviours/indicators should be considered as screening questions to maintain the safety of the blood supply. Eight sexual behaviours/indicators were reviewed: history of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), chemsex, number of recent partners, condom use, type of sex, sexual health service (SHS) attendance, new sexual partner and exclusivity. We conducted searches in multiple databases to identify literature looking at the association between these behaviours/indicators and HIV/STI acquisition risk. A scoring system to determine strength of evidence was devised and applied to papers that passed screening. Key studies were identified which achieved the maximum score and more in-depth reviews were conducted for these. We identified 58 studies, including 17 key studies. Strong evidence was found linking a previous bacterial STI, chemsex and increasing numbers of sexual partners to acquisition risk. Condom use, type of sex and new partners were found to have some strength of evidence for this link. SHS attendance and exclusivity had minimal evidence. We recommended that the behaviours/indicators viewed as having strong or some strength of evidence should be considered as screening questions in a more individualised approach to donor selection criteria.

Consensus Statement: Technical Standards for Thoracoabdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion

Consensus Statement: Technical Standards for Thoracoabdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion

Consensus Statement: Technical Standards for Thoracoabdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion.

Thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP) has emerged as a powerful technique for optimizing organ procurement from donation after circulatory death donors. Despite its rapid adoption, standardized guidelines for TA-NRP implementation are lacking, prompting the need for consensus recommendations to ensure safe and effective utilization of this technique. A working group composed of members from The American Society of Transplant Surgeons, The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and The American Association for Thoracic Surgery was convened to develop technical guidelines for TA-NRP. The group systematically reviewed existing literature, consensus statements, and expert opinions to identify key areas requiring standardization, including predonation evaluation, intraoperative management, postdonation procedures, and future research directions. The working group formulated recommendations encompassing donor evaluation and selection criteria, premortem testing and therapeutic interventions, communication protocols, and procedural guidelines for TA-NRP implementation. These recommendations aim to facilitate coordination among transplant teams, minimize variability in practice, and promote transparency and accountability throughout the TA-NRP process. The consensus guidelines presented herein serve as a comprehensive framework for the successful and ethical implementation of TA-NRP programs in organ procurement from donation after circulatory death donors. By providing standardized recommendations and addressing areas of uncertainty, these guidelines aim to enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of TA-NRP procedures, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for transplant recipients.

Characteristics of first-time blood donors with unsatisfactory hemoglobin level and positive hepatitis B test in Binh Dinh Province

Blood transfusion is essential in the treatment of a various diseases. In order to guarantee a safe and sufficient volume of blood supply, it is crucial to select appropriate donors based on stringent eligibility criteria. The objective of this study was to furnish robust epidemiological information and identify the risk factors linked to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and low hemoglobin levels in first-time blood donors in Binh Dinh. Understanding the causes for donor deferrals can assist better plan and establish an efficient recruiting strategies as well as evaluate donor selection criteria. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Binh Dinh Provincial General Hospital from November 2022 to February 2023 to examine individuals in their first-time blood donation. Data were sourced directly from voluntary blood donation registration forms. HBsAg results were assessed using rapid immunochromatographic tests and chemiluminescent immunoassays. The rate of unsatisfactory hemoglobin levels was 2.56% tested on 1,638 participants. This rate was significantly associated with female sex (18 times greater odds than males), and lower weight. The results revealed that the rate of HBV infection was 3.13% when detected by the rapid test, but increased by 0.58% when measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. The positive hepatitis B deferral correlated with sex (p<0.05), age group (p<0.05) and occupation (p<0.05). HBV was found the leading cause of deferral in the study area and associated with males, age groups (25–35 and 36–44), officer, worker-farmer, and self-employed people. The prevalence of low hemoglobin donor deferral obtained was 2.56%. Low hemoglobin deferral is associated with female gender, lower body weight, worker-farmer, and self-employed - others. This finding underscores a significant public health concerns, highlighting the need for strategies to lower the infection rates. Understanding the factors leading to defered donation can contribute to development of proactive strategies for recruiting and retaining donors.

Turkish Hematologists’ Preferences for Related Donor Selection: Results of a Multicenter Survey

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a widely utilized treatment for various hematological diseases. While selection criteria for unrelated donors are well established, there is a lack of consistency and standardization in the selection of related donors. This study investigated the current approach of hematologists to the selection of related donors at Turkish HSCT centers. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, distributing a self-administered questionnaire to 95 adult and pediatric transplantation centers in Türkiye to investigate their approaches to related donor selection for allo-HSCT. The questionnaire collected data on various topics including the center’s experience in performing allo-HSCT, patient groups treated, number of allo-HSCT procedures conducted between 2015 and 2021, preferences for related donors, considerations in related donor selection (such as sex and past pregnancies), guidelines utilized for related donor selection, upper age limit for related donors, and the use of specialized advanced analyses for elderly donors. The response rate to the survey was 38.9%. Variability was observed across centers in terms of sex consideration and the impact of past pregnancies on related female donor rejection. Different guidelines were employed for related donor selection, with the European Bone Marrow Transplantation guidelines being the most commonly used. Regarding the upper age limit for related donors, 8.1% of centers accepted an upper age limit of 55 years, 48.7% preferred an upper age limit of 65 years, and 43.2% selected related donors aged 65 and above. The lack of standardized guidelines for related donor selection in HSCT centers leads to variability in criteria and potential risks. Collaboration among centers is essential to establish consensus and develop standardized protocols.

THE EVALUATION OF PATTERN OF WHOLE BLOOD DONOR DEFERRALS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER OF NORTH INDIA

Objectives: Donor recruitment is critical to the supply of safe and adequate blood/blood components to meet patient’s need; the first and most crucial step to provide safe blood is proper selection of blood donors. Blood donor selection criteria are designed to ensure the donor as well as the recipient’s health. The objective of this study is to analyze the various causes of donor deferral, study their frequency pattern and to suggest changes to retain and retrieve donors in future. Methods: A retrospective study on analysis of deferred donors of whole blood was conducted in a blood center at tertiary care hospital in North India. The study included blood donors deferred from January 2022 to December 2022. Results: A total of 27,121 donors were registered for whole blood donation and 4534 (16.71%) were deferred. Female deferral (41.67%) was more as compared to male deferral (15.11%). Temporary deferrals (n=4238 [93.47%]) were significantly higher than permanent deferrals (n=296 [6.5%]). The most common reason for temporary deferral was anemia (n = 940 [20.7%]) while that for permanent deferral was jaundice (n=179 [3.94%]). Conclusion: Analyzing the causes, frequency and deferral pattern of blood donors will help to guide the recruitment and retention efforts to maintain a healthy donor pool at large.

Split liver transplantation: Current status and future trend

AbstractLiver transplantation (LT) remains the most effective treatment for end‐stage liver disease. However, there continues to be a severe shortage of liver donors worldwide, resulting in a significant disparity between the number of patients on the liver transplant waiting list and the available donor organs. Split liver transplantation (SLT) enables a single whole liver graft to be divided into two partial grafts, which can then be transplanted into two recipients. This approach expands the pool of available liver donors and reduces the waiting time for LT. Since its inception, SLT has undergone continuous development and research. As a complex variant of LT, SLT requires a high level of surgical expertise, and many aspects of SLT have not yet reached a consensus or clear definition within the transplantation community. In addition, it represents a smaller proportion among all LT techniques, which hampers the further development of SLT technology. This review concludes recent developments in SLT, offering a comprehensive summary of current practices regarding donor selection criteria, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes. Its purpose is to serve as a reference for real clinical scenarios and explore potential future trends in SLT.

High prevalence of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses in blood donors during a dengue outbreak and an endemic period in Colombia.

Arboviruses pose a challenge in ensuring the supply of pathogen-free blood components because they are not routinely screened in blood banks, and blood components from infected asymptomatic donors could be transfused. This study aimed to detect and characterize arboviral infections in Colombian blood donors. In a cross-sectional study, the prevalence of dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses and co-infections of blood donors were compared between an epidemic period (November 2019-February 2020, n = 462) and an endemic period (November 2021-August 2022, n = 1,119). Viral RNA from each donor serum was purified, and the viruses were detected using a previously standardized multiplex hemi-nested RT-PCR protocol. Subsequently, donors who tested positive were surveyed 15 days after the detection of the virus to identify clinical characteristics related to the arboviral infection. The prevalences of each virus were presented as percentages and compared between epidemic and endemic periods. Significantly higher prevalences were found in the epidemic period compared with the endemic period for DENV (14.5 vs. 1.9%), ZIKV (7.8 vs. 0.3%), CHIKV (8 vs. 3.3%), and co-infections (4.3 vs. 0.2%). The survey response rate of positive donors in the two periods was 83/175 (47%). In total, 57% of the donors surveyed were asymptomatic. Symptomatic donors most frequently reported headache (31%), malaise (13%), arthralgia (10%), and fever/chills (8%). The prevalence observed in epidemic and endemic periods was higher than that reported in other studies in the Americas. The high proportion of asymptomatic cases found, in addition to the mild and nonspecific manifestations among the symptomatic, may limit the effectiveness of the donor selection criteria used to mitigate the risk of transfusion-transmitted arboviruses.

Frequency of Blood Donor Deferrals in Urban Population among Random Voluntary Donors and Evaluation of Gross Differences in Various Study Groups

Introduction: The most important aspect of the blood donor selection criteria is the selection of Healthy donors for donating blood to safeguard the health of the donor as well as the patient. Based on the selection criteria donors are considered either fit or unfit (deferred) to donate blood. Aim: Primary aim of the study is to analyze and evaluate the various causes of donor deferrals in comparison to different regional studies with special emphasis on temporary donor deferrals, in order to retain them as potential future donors. Materials & Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with available data of all donors registered between May 2022 and Dec 2023. Donor deferral data was analyzed for various causes of deferral patterns. Results: A total of 2003 donors registered for voluntary blood donation out of which 244(80.79%) were accepted for donation and 302(15.07 %.) were deferred for various reasons. Total number of temporary deferrals were 244(80.79%) and permanent deferrals were 58(19.20%). Discussion: The overall deferral rate in this study was 15.48%. Low Hemoglobin (36.09%) was the commonest cause for temporary deferral and the commonest age group which had maximum deferrals was 18---25 yrs. Hypertension was the main cause of permanent deferral. Conclusion: The incidence of donor deferral can be reduced by furnishing the appropriate information related to blood donations and educating the general public and blood donors through awareness programs. Follow up of the donors must be encouraged to remove the negative feeling in deferred donors to make them potential future donors.