Population-Based Analysis of the Impact of Demographics on the Current and Future Blood Supply in the Saarland

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The federal state of Saarland (SL) is experiencing the fastest demographic change in the western part of Germany. In this study, we analyzed retrospective data on the current and future supply of red blood cell concentrates (RBC) in this region and compared it to the current and future RBC demand in SL hospitals. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The projection of the SL blood supply in 2030 was modeled based on SL demographics for age distribution and donation frequency of donors, and the RBC transfusion data for in-house patients. These results were compared to published data on the transfusion demand from the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (MV). <b><i>Results:</i></b> For the period January 1 to December 31, 2017, a total of 43,205 whole blood donations were collected. The donation frequency in SL never exceeded 80 per 1,000 inhabitants and was well below the numbers in MV. Thirty-one percent of the donors were responsible for 53.5% of the donations, and donors older than 45 years of age contributed highly to the total blood supply. In addition, 40,614 RBC transfusions at 10 SL hospitals were analyzed representing nearly all RBC transfusions for in-house patients in this region. RBC transfusions per 1,000 inhabitants increased with age from 24 (50–54) to 140 (80–84) years. Facing an already existing structural deficit of nearly 8,200 RBC in 2017, the projection predicts a dramatic increase in the regional deficit to &#x3e;18,300 RBC in 2030. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our results on RBC demand in SL are comparable but not identical to those projected for the region of MV in eastern Germany. Due to the ongoing demographic changes in Germany as a whole, regular regional monitoring of RBC demand and the age structure of blood recipients and donors should be implemented to allow for better strategic planning in blood transfusion services and hospitals.

Blood donation from 2006 to 2015 in Zhejiang Province, China: annual consecutive cross-sectional studies

ObjectivesTo describe the basic demographical characteristics of whole blood donors in Zhejiang Province, China, from 2006 to 2015 and to examine the trends in individual characteristics associated with blood donation and the relationship between weight and donation.DesignCross-sectional study comparing characteristics of blood donors and annual donations for the period 2006 to 2015.SettingUrban and rural communities in Zhejiang, China(11 cities, 89 districts or counties and 1379 townships).Participants3 226 571 volunteer blood donors.Outcome measuresVolume of each whole blood donation and donation frequency. All data were collected by trained staff and entered into a standardised electronic information system.ResultsThe number of blood donations generally trended up in Zhejiang Province from 2006 to 2015. Donors were predominately males aged 18 to 25 years, but this major donor age group shifted to the 26 to 45 year range by 2015. The rate of repeated blood donation was 30.8 per cent. The blood volume per donation concentrated in 200 mL and 400 mL categories has been gradually shifted to 300 mL and 400 mL. Approximately one-third of donors had a college education. The average weight of donors increased over time for both men and women. Both the blood volume of each donation and donation frequency were proportional to weight.ConclusionsThe trend of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation in Zhejiang province is positive. However, given the expected growth in demand for whole blood, more research is needed to increase both the donor pool and the rate of repeated donation. The relationship between body weight and blood donation warrants further study because while improving nutritional status is associated with higher average donation volume and more frequent donations, overnutrition may lead to poorer quality of donated blood. Blood donation may present a unique opportunity for health education and body weight management to monitor and improve population health.

FinDonor 10 000 study: A cohort to identify iron depletion and factors affecting it in Finnish blood donors

Background and ObjectivesThere is increasing evidence that frequent blood donation depletes the iron stores of some blood donors. The FinDonor 10 000 study was set up to study iron status and factors affecting iron stores in Finnish blood donors. In Finland, iron supplementation for at-risk groups has been in place since the 1980’s.Material and Methods2584 blood donors (N= 8003 samples) were recruited into the study alongside the standard donation at three donation sites in the capital region of Finland between 5/2015 and 12/2017. All participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their health and lifestyle. Blood samples were collected from the sample pouch of whole blood collection set, kept in cool temperature and processed centrally. Whole blood count, CRP, ferritin and sTFR were measured from the samples and DNA was isolated for GWAS studies.ResultsParticipant demographics, albeit in general similar to the general blood donor population in Finland, indicated some bias toward older and more frequent donors. Participation in the study increased median donation frequency of the donors. Analysis of the effect of time lag from the sampling to the analysis and the time of day when sample was drawn revealed small but significant time-dependent changes.ConclusionThe FinDonor cohort now provides us with tools to identify potential donor groups at increased risk of iron deficiency as factors explaining this risk. The increase in donation frequency during the study suggests that scientific projects can be used to increase the commitment of blood donors.

Options for possible changes to the blood donation service: health economics modelling

BackgroundEvidence is required on the cost-effectiveness of alternative changes to the blood collection service.Objectives(1) To estimate the cost-effectiveness of alternative minimum interdonation intervals between whole-blood donations. (2) To investigate donors’ frequency of whole-blood donation according to alternative changes to the blood collection service. (3) To estimate the cost-effectiveness of alternative strategies for maintaining the supply of whole blood.MethodsWe undertook a within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of the INTERVAL trial, stated preference (SP) surveys to elicit donor preferences and a CEA of different strategies for blood collection. The strategies considered were reduced minimum intervals between whole-blood donations, introduction of a donor health report and changes to appointment availability and opening times at blood collection venues. The within-trial CEA included 44,863 donors, with men randomly assigned to 12- versus 10- versus 8-week interdonation intervals, and women to 16- versus 14- versus 12-week interdonation intervals. We undertook a SP survey of non-INTERVAL donors (100,000 invitees). We asked donors to state the frequency with which they would be willing to donate blood, according to the service attribute and level. The CEA compared changes to the blood service with current practice by combining the survey estimates with information from the NHS Blood and Transpant database (PULSE) and cost data. The target population was existing whole-blood donors in England, of whom approximately 85% currently donate whole blood at mobile (temporary) blood collection venues, with the remainder donating at static (permanent) blood collection centres. We reported the effects of the alternative strategies on the number of whole-blood donations, costs and cost-effectiveness.ResultsThe reduced donation interval strategies had higher deferral rates caused by low haemoglobin (Hb), but increased frequency of successful donation. For men in the 8- versus 12-week arm of the INTERVAL trial [Di Angelantonio E, Thompson SG, Kaptoge S, Moore C, Walker M, Armitage J,et al.Efficiency and safety of varying the frequency of whole blood donation (INTERVAL): a randomised trial of 45 000 donors.Lancet2017;390:2360–71], the Hb-related deferral rate was 5.7% per session versus 2.6% per session, but the average number of donations over 2 years increased by 1.71 (95% confidence interval 1.60 to 1.80). A total of 25,187 (25%) donors responded to the SP survey. For static donor centres, extending appointment availability to weekday evenings or weekends, or reduced intervals between blood donations, increased stated donation frequency by, on average, 0.5 donations per year. The CEA found that reducing the minimum interval, extending opening times to weekday evenings and extending opening times to weekends in all static donor centres would provide additional whole blood at a cost per additional unit of £10, £23 and £29, respectively, with similar results for donors with high-demand blood types.LimitationsThe study did not consider the long-term rates at which donors will leave the donation register, for example following higher rates of Hb-related deferral.ConclusionsExtending opening hours for blood donation to weekday evenings or weekends for all static donor centres are cost-effective ways of increasing the supply of high-demand blood types.Future workTo monitor the effects of new strategies on long-term donation frequency.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

BLOOD DONATION;

The participation of women in blood donation process has been scarce equallyin low & high resourced countries. Every year 3.5 million blood donations are collected inPakistan with very little percentage of females donating blood. Objective: The objective of thestudy was to assess the knowledge, attitude and beliefs of female attendants accompanyingthe patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The Children’s Hospital & Instituteof Child Health, Lahore, regarding blood donation. Period: 1st June to 31st December, 2015.Material & Methods: 306 females of age 16-50 years accompanying a patient in the hospitalwere randomly selected. After taking informed consent, a self-designed questionnaire validatedby Kappa Statistics program was distributed to the participants. Data was analyzed by usingSPSS 22. Results: The mean age of female attendants was 29.57 years. 31.7% had neverreceived any education. Only 12.7% had donated blood before. 93.8% had the idea that ablood transfusion is a lifesaving procedure but only half of them knew the common bloodgroups. 87.3% knew that both males and females can donate blood but 75.5% thought thatmales are better donors than females. There was a lack of knowledge about certain importantfacts including transfusion transmissible infections, donation frequency, duration and volumeof blood collected during a single session. Majority females were of the view that they are toofragile to donate blood and severe and prolonged anemia can develop after donating blood.Conclusion: There is a need to develop effective interventions for the education & motivationof potential female donors towards blood donation in order to increase the donor turnover rate.