Variations in hemoglobin measurement and eligibility criteria across blood donation services are associated with differing low-hemoglobin deferral rates: a BEST Collaborative study.

Background: Determination of blood donor hemoglobin (Hb) levels is a pre-requisite to ensure donor safety and blood product quality. We aimed to identify Hb measurement practices across blood donation services and to what extent differences associate with low-Hb deferral rates.

Methods: An online survey was performed among Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative members, extended with published data.

Can we prevent vasovagal reactions in young inexperienced whole blood donors? A placebo controlled study comparing effects of a 330 vs 500 mL water drink prior to donation.

Background: Complications of donation reduce donor return. Younger and less experienced donors are more likely to experience vasovagal-type reactions (VVR). A water drink of approximately 500 mL shortly before donation may reduce VVR, but the effect of a smaller volume of water has not been investigated.

Eligibility and willingness to donate blood in men who have (had) sex with men.

Background: Several countries have changed, or are reevaluating, their blood donor policies for men who have had sex with men (MSM). Changing policies has consequences for donor recruitment and the donor pool. In this study, we investigated whether MSM are eligible and willing to donate blood.

Reasons for noncompliance in donor risk reporting regarding male-to-male sex.

Background: In the Netherlands men who have had sex with men were permanently excluded from donating blood or blood products. This study aimed to determine the rate of not disclosing male-to-male sex (noncompliance) among Dutch donors and reasons for noncompliance.

Study Design And Methods: Invitations to participate in an anonymous online survey were sent out to a sample of the Dutch donor population (50,000 male and 5000 female donors).