Ensuring Donor Safety: Incidence and Characteristics of Adverse Reactions in Blood Donors

Abstract

Background: Blood donation is generally safe, however, donor adverse reactions may occur during or after donation and can affect donor safety, satisfaction and willingness to donate again.

Aim and Objectives: To estimate the frequency and pattern of donor adverse reactions and assess their distribution according to age, sex, and donation history at Government Medical College & Associated Hospital, Udhampur.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Blood Centre, Government Medical College & Associated Hospital, Udhampur, over two years. Records of 5,700 blood donors were included. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages, and associations between donor characteristics and adverse reactions were assessed using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate.

Results: Donor adverse reactions were documented in 75 of 5,700 donors, giving an overall reaction rate of 1.32%. Vasovagal reactions accounted for 45 (60.0%) events, followed by hematoma in 18 (24.0%), bruising in 6 (8.0%), bleeding at the venipuncture site in 3 (4.0%), and other reactions in 3 (4.0%). Reaction rates were highest among donors aged 18–25 years (2.19%), female donors (2.63%), and first-time donors (2.34%). The associations with age group (p=0.016), sex (p=0.004), and donation history (p<0.001) were statistically significant.

Conclusion: Donor adverse reactions were uncommon, with vasovagal reactions accounting for the majority of documented events. Higher reaction rates among younger, female, and first-time donors support focused preventive measures, careful observation, and systematic donor haemovigilance.