Donor selection and deferral pattern in convalescent plasma donor in plasmapheresis unit of a tertiary care hospital

Context: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The management plan is supportive care with oxygen supplementation and mechanical ventilation. US FDA approved convalescent plasma (CP) for COVID-19 for clinical trials and as an emergency investigational new drug. Although numerous trials are currently investigating the safety and efficacy of CP in COVID-19 patients, there is a paucity of ongoing and published studies evaluating the CP donors’ side. This retrospective study reports the CP donors’ selection and deferrals. Aim: To evaluate and analyze the donor deferral pattern and its causes among CP donors in a tertiary care hospital blood bank apheresis unit. Settings and Design: Hospital-based retrospective analysis. Subjects and Methods: Donors aged 18–65 years who had recovered from COVID-19 at least 4 weeks previously coming for plasma donation were retrospectively analyzed from July 25, 2020 to January 24, 2021 for a period of 6 months at blood bank apheresis unit, Assam Medical College and Hospital. Results: A total of 396 potential plasma donors were screened during the study period. The donor deferral rate was 39.1%. The permanent deferral was 36.8%, and the temporary deferral was 63.2%. The maximum number of donors deferred because of low antibody (18.7%) followed by low hemoglobin (14.8%). Associated comorbidities, low platelet count, repeat reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction positivity, transfusion transmitted infection reactivity, intake of medicines, infections, vaccination, and underweight were other causes identified. Conclusion: The pattern of donor deferral is an important tool for blood safety and also provides key areas to focus on a demographic region or policy formulation for donor selection as well as to ensure donor safety.