Background
Amidst a system dependent on replacement donors in Pakistan, The Indus Hospital Blood Centre predominantly recruits voluntary non‐remunerated blood donors (VNRBD) to ensure provision of safe blood. Furthermore, due to unsafe practices of reuse of syringes in Pakistan, an additional criterion was added, deferring donors on recent history of therapeutic injections for medicinal purposes.
Methods
During the study period of 37 months (Dec 2013–Dec 2016), all potential donors visiting blood drives and the donor centre underwent a screening process via a brief physical examination and an interview. Donors were either accepted for donation, temporarily deferred or permanently deferred.
Results
In the study period, 63 582 potential donors visited, whereas 84% were VNRBD and 16% replacement donors. With an overall deferral of 24%, amidst VNRBD and replacement, the deferral rate was 25% and 18%, respectively. The major reasons for deferral were use of therapeutic injections followed by low haemoglobin. Furthermore, 54% of females and 21% of males visiting were deferred. Replacement donors, males and donors from underprivileged residential areas and factories had a comparatively higher proportion of deferral due to use of therapeutic injections.
Conclusion
The high deferral rate in this study is illustrative of the increased use of therapeutic injections amongst the Pakistani population. Additionally, due to the compulsion of providing blood donors associated with replacement donation, they are more likely to hide health conditions, hence the lower comparative deferral rate. The Pakistani population needs to be educated regarding the high risks associated with injections and replacement donors.