A QUALITY CONTROL APPROACH TO IMPROVED DONOR CARE

The operation of any donor center should include provision for the protection of the individual who reacts to the withdrawal of blood. No center can expect a zero reaction rate; however, each center should be able to determine the reaction rate that will minimize complications.. A quality control system was adapted to monitor the reaction rate based upon the average rate in that particular center. Reaction rates consistently exceeding the tolerance zone were considered an indicator of poor reaction control. Changes in physical setup were monitored. The most practical layout was a three-bed setup which permitted the use of one set for bleeding and the other for donor recovery in alternate cycles. Thus, a high collection rate was achieved without increasing the reaction rate. Screening procedures were tried to separate the reaction-prone donor from the rest of the donors. The most effective screening factor was the identification of the donor who had reacted previously to blood collection. Donors reacting away from the bed had greater risk of injury than those reacting on the bed. Observation and more care kept the incidence of reaction in hazardous areas at a low level. The quality control system proved useful in assuring proper and safe operation of the blood bank and in improving donor care. (Author)