Abstract:

Background: Transfusion usually is a life-saving therapeutic intervention, however many preventable errors may make it hazardous for donors or recipients. Ensuring supply of safe blood is a key intervention in reducing mortality and morbidity attributable to blood transfusion. We conducted a descriptive, coss-sectional study among blood donors to assess blood donor safety in Minna, north-Central Nigeria.

Methods: We recruited consecutively, all consenting, HIV, hepatitis B and C and anaemia screened blood donors between September, 2013 and January, 2014. We screened all subjects for haematological indices using a haematological analyzer (Abacus analyzer 2.75, Diatron^® U.S.A) respectively. We administered structured questionnaires to obtain socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics and practices. Data was subjected to descriptive statistical analyses using Epi Info version 3.5.4. Significant associations were presumed if p<0.05.

Results: A total of 345 subjects were recruited, 336 (97.4%) males. Mean age ± SD was 32.4± 8.5 years. Monthly earnings ranged from $109 to $212 136(40.6%). The majority of the blood donors 195 (55.9%) were anaemic (PCV<36, Hb<12g/dl), 158 (81.0%) of which were for purpose of family replacement. Strata of the blood donors were family replacement 274 (79.4), voluntary 60 (17.4), commercial interest 11 (3.2%).

Conclusions: The blood donor safety is low in Minna. Majority of the blood donors were anaemic. The quality of routine donor screening for anaemia should be improved.

Keywords: Anaemia, Transfusion, Blood donors, Safety, Nigeria.

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