Electrocardiographic and Respiratory Changes Observed in Blood Donors During Phlebotomy

Monitoring of certain physiological variables during blood collection revealed transient abnormalities in some individuals. Many of these were accompanied with other signs or symptoms in the donor indicating adverse effects of donation. Three groups of donors were selected prior to collection and observed. One was a study group of 45 which was expected to have a higher-than-average rate of reaction. The control group consisted of 11 donors expected to have the average rate of reaction. Another group of 10 went through a sham donation, in which all necessary actions were taken except the actual removal of the 450 ml unit, to evaluate effects of the procedure separate from the blood loss. No reactions were observed in the control group, while two of the sham group had symptoms. In the study group, 13 of 45 had one or more findings. Observations of particular interest were those which involved electrocardiographic or respiratory changes. ECG changes, excluding sinus arrhythmias, were found in 20%. A combination of ECG change or symptoms occurred in 77%. Hyperventilation was detected by monitor in 35%, but was unobserved by the bedside technician. In those with hyperventilation, 37% had associated symptoms. (Author)