Pre-donation deferral patterns in blood donor recruitment in a tertiary care hospital

Objectives: This study analyzes pre-donation deferral patterns in blood donor recruitment at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan to improve blood supply management. Methodology: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 6,039 potential blood donors aged 18–60 years at the Indus Hospital Blood Center, Karachi, from April-June 2023. Physical examinations and clinical evaluations determined the donor’s eligibility. Deferral rates and reasons were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The average deferral rate was 27.4%, with 97.7% temporary and 2.3% permanent deferral. Majority donors were first-time (92.3%) and male (93.3%). Common temporary deferral reasons were anemia (29.0%), ill-feeling (21.9%), and antibiotic intake (9.8%), while Hepatitis C (23.7%) and Hepatitis B (21.1%), and chronic respiratory disease (18.4%) were permanent. Conclusion: The study reveals challenges in blood donor recruitment, including high first-time donors and gender disparity. Targeted measures may help address risk factors and improve donor retention, strengthening blood transfusion services in resource-poor settings, impacting public health in Pakistan and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).