Donors' psychological reactions to deferral following false‐positive screening test results

Abstract

Informing donors of the possibility of re-entry appears to contribute to maintaining a positive predisposition towards future blood donation. It does not, however, appear to alleviate the distress felt after being notified of a false-positive infectious disease marker result, nor does it increase willingness to give blood again in the future.

False positive viral marker results in blood donors and their unintended consequences

“…However, they may be subject to temporary or permanent deferral. The possibility of subsequent re‐entry does not appear to reduce the level of psychological distress .…”

Negative experiences and donor return: an examination of the role of asking for something different

“…One possibility is that donors do not understand BCA information on their deferral. 3 Alternatively, a deferral may leave the donor feeling rejected [43][44][45] or dissatisfied. 46 While empathetic counseling may overcome this, 47 the current data suggest that these feelings may be mitigated by the offer to do something different (i.e., convert to plasmapheresis) and to continue to help others.…”

False‐positive viral marker results in blood donors and their unintended consequences: P. Kiely, V.C. Hoad, E.M. Wood

“…Consequences for blood donors focus on negative psychological consequences. According to the authors, up to 86% of the donors experience psychological distress when informed about their false-positive test result (FPTR) [2] and conclude that blood banks need strategies to minimize stress and anxiety.…”