Do reactions after whole blood donation predict syncope on return donation?

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Donor Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Adverse reactions, particularly syncope, following whole blood donation can negatively impact donor return rates.
• Despite negative experiences, many donors continue to donate blood, highlighting the need to understand factors influencing donation behavior and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the risk of recurrent syncope among allogeneic whole blood donors who experienced vasovagal-type reactions, including syncope, during donation.
• To determine if donation status (novice vs. active) or age influences the likelihood of return donation and subsequent reactions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of allogeneic whole blood donors from 2009 who experienced vasovagal reactions or syncope.
• Evaluation of return donation rates within 12 months and subsequent reaction occurrences.
• Stratification of donors based on donation status (novice/active) and age at index donation.

Main Results:

• Syncope after a first donation significantly reduced return donation frequency (18%) compared to presyncopal symptoms (27%) or no reaction (35%).
• Among novice donors returning, syncope was more likely in those with prior reactions (0.8%) or syncope (3.5%) versus no reaction (0.3%).
• Prior reactions did not affect return donation or recurrent syncope likelihood in active, repeat donors.

Conclusions:

• Donation experience significantly influences donor return and subsequent reaction risk.
• A history of adverse reactions, including syncope, after whole blood donation does not reliably predict recurrent syncope in returning donors.