Temporary Blood Donor Deferrals: Analysing their impact on donor retention and future re-donations

Temporary blood donor deferral can be a challenge in retaining donors and to maintain a stable blood supply. This study aimed to analyse the pattern of temporary donor deferral and its impact on their future return for donation.

This retrospective study included deferred blood donors from the Blood Bank department of King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and included data from January 2021 till December 2023 with subsequent donors follow up till August 2025 were recorded. Effect of demographics, causes of temporary deferrals and gender wise distribution were compared between new and regular blood donors and their return for future re-donations.

A total of 47,522 whole blood donors were included in this study; 5,182 donors were deferred, of whom 97.3% experienced temporary deferral. Among these, 46.8% were new and 53.1% were regular donors. The leading causes of deferral were low haemoglobin/haematocrit (Hb/Hct; 45.9%), recent medication use (9.3%) and low blood pressure (8.8%). Donors deferred due to low Hb/Hct demonstrated lower return rates compared to those deferred for low blood pressure or medication use. Return rates among new donors ranged from 0-40%, whereas among regular donors it ranged from 37.5-100%, depending on the deferral category. Overall, the return rate was significantly lower in new donors and female donors (P <0.001 each).

Temporary donor deferral has an effect on the future donations of the donor. This study highlights the need for stronger interventions, particularly donor education, reminder messages and follow-up to encourage the deferred donors to return, thereby supporting a consistent supply of safe blood for patients.