An Analysis of Deferral Pattern in Plateletpheresis Donors

Background: Platelet utilization has increased much more than other components worldwide in last 2 decades. Single donor platelets (SDP) have several benefits over random donor platelets, therefore being preferred. However, stringent criteria of donor selection and therefore high rate of deferral are major limitations to availability of SDP. Aim: The present study was carried out to evaluate the various reasons for deferrals in plateletpheresis donors. Material & Methods: This retrospective study was conducted to analyze the reasons for deferrals in platelet donors at Blood bank, SMSR Weight-55 Kg; Good vein in one or both arms; no Aspirin intake in last 72 hours & minimum interval of 72 hours from last plateletpheresis along with all other criteria for whole blood donation. Results: Out of 283 donors screened, 58 were deferred with an overall deferral rate of 20.5%. Out of these, 89.65% deferrals were due to temporary causes. Low platelet count & low hemoglobin levels accounted for 44.82% & 18.96% temporary deferrals respectively. 10.34% of deferred donors had Hb in range of 11.5-12.4gm% while 8.6% deferred donors had platelet count of 1.4 lacs to 1.49 lacs and 6.8% had weight in range of 50-55 kg. Conclusion: As it is difficult to convince donors for plateletpheresis, screening criteria of the same should be revised and formulated separately from whole blood donation. Criteria for hemoglobin and donor weight for plateletpheresis can be relaxed.