Insights into the diversity of blood donation practice across Asia: How blood collection agencies adapt donor criteria and processes to their population

Background and Objectives Securing an adequate blood supply relies on accurate knowledge of blood donors and donation practices. As published evidence on Asian populations is sparse, this study aims to gather up‐to‐date information on blood donors and donation practices in Asia to assist planning and strategy development. Materials and Methods Ten blood collection agencies (BCAs) provided 12 months' data on donors who met eligibility criteria or were deferred, as well as details of their donation practices. Body mass index and blood volumes were calculated and analysed. Results Data on 9,599,613 donations and 154,834 deferrals from six national and four regional BCAs revealed varied donation eligibility and collection practices. Seven used haemoglobin (Hb) criteria below the World Health Organization anaemia threshold. Seven accepted donors weighing