RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The process of selecting blood donors is crucial for keeping the health of donors and ensuring the safety of the blood supply. However, it may create unpleasant feeling in those who are deferred. In this study, we aim to explore the return rates of Iranian deferred donors in comparison with eligible donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included all whole blood donors referred between March 2017 and March 2018, who experienced temporary deferral for any reason. Donors who successfully donated blood during this period were also part of the study. Participants were followed up until their next donation attempt, spanning 4.8 years after initial inclusion. Then odds of return and median return time for both deferred and eligible donors were calculated. RESULTS: From 993,824 volunteers, 733,153 (73.77%) were eligible and 192,332 (19.35%) temporary deferred. The return rate in the eligible and deferred donors was 74.77% vs. 51.77%, respectively (OR:2.78; 99%CI: 2.71-2.81). Odds of return among deferred regular (OR = 7.02, 99%CI:6.64-7.42), men (OR: 2.57, 99%CI:2.45-2.69), and over 45 years (OR: 1.15, 99% CI: 1.09-1.20), was higher than first-time, women, and younger donors. The median return time for eligible and deferred donors was 315 (99%CI: 313-316) and 1,467(99%CI: 1,412-1,524) days, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the negative effect of deferral on the return rate, that led to a 23% reduction in the return of deferred donors. Avoiding unnecessary deferral through adherence to the standard operating procedure of donor selection and effective counselling which clarifies the purpose of deferral and encourages them to return after the deferral period ends are recommended.
RESUMO
Kell blood group system consists of 34 antigens. KEL1 and KEL2 are the most clinically important antigens of this system, causing hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and transfusion reaction. A total of 200 samples from blood donors were tested serologically for the presence of KEL1 and KEL2 antigens on erythrocytes. Genomic DNA was analyzed by PCR-SSP method to determine the Kell genotype. A multiplex PCR-SSP assay was designed and tested to genotype KEL1/KEL2 alleles in a single reaction. PCR genotyping revealed samples as; KEL2/KEL2 (93.5%) and KEL1/KEL2 (6.5%), while no sample determined as KEL1/KEL1. A 100% concordance observed between PCR and serological results. Multiplex PCR accurately diagnosed Kell genotype. Kell blood group genotyping by PCR-SSP can be used as an alternative method, especially in multi-transfused patients where serological findings are ambiguous.
