Identifying risk factors and donor characteristics for vasovagal reactions in whole blood donation: Insights and safety recommendations from a northern Indian study

BACKGROUND: Although adverse reactions and injuries associated with blood donation are typically self-sustaining, they may defer donors from making future blood donations. AIMS: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of adverse reactions in whole blood donors, thereby identifying potential targets for interventions to reduce such events. METHODS: A total of 5,003 whole blood donations were analyzed over a two-year period. Donor demographic, medical, and biometric parameters were recorded and examined for associations with adverse donor reactions. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of vasovagal reactions was 1.7% and 287 donors (5.74%) experienced adverse events (AEs). Strong predictors of adverse reactions included younger age, first-time donation, low body weight, donation around noon, and a pre-donation waiting period exceeding 30 minutes. Vasovagal reaction rates reported in the literature vary widely, ranging from 0.09% to 2.24%. Most studies, including the present one, found no significant gender differences in reaction rates; in this study, males and females experienced almost similar rates (1.7% vs. 1.8%). CONCLUSION: These findings are instrumental in identifying donors at greater danger of developing undesirable reactions. Enhanced monitoring during and after donation, along with timely intervention, may facilitate to prevent many of these adverse and unpleasant events and improve donor retention.