Transfusion and apheresis science : official journal of the World Apheresis Association : official journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis | 2019
A university - Led initiative to promote voluntary non-remunerated blood donation in a developing country.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE\nTo describe the process, challenges and impact of developing a voluntary non-remunerated blood donor programme in a replacement- based blood donation system.\n\n\nBACKGROUND\nTrinidad and Tobago is a developing country whose blood transfusion service is based on replacement and remunerated donors. The University of the West Indies Blood Donor Foundation was formed to promote voluntary non-remunerated donation through education, research and example.\n\n\nMETHODS/MATERIALS\nThe process of establishing the Blood Donor Foundation was documented. Age, gender, number, history (first-time or repeat) and serological tests of donors attending 12 consecutive sessions between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed. Comparisons were made to published PAHO data for TTO s replacement blood donor system and the programme s impact on national policy described. Chi square analysis was used to measure significance of associations and p\u202f<\u202f 0.05 to assign statistical significance.\n\n\nRESULTS\nAfter research and sensitization, 951 units of blood were collected, 50% from people in the 17-25 age group, 54% from females and 55% from repeat donors. Deferrals were <10% and initially reactive serological tests 1.2% compared to 43.6% and 3.04% respectively (p\u202f<\u202f0.05 for both) for the national donor pool. The model was accepted for application nationally.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nA voluntary non-remunerated blood donation programme was successfully established within a replacement-based system providing a model for national adoption.