Inform, support, and prevent: Donor notification as a tool for transfusion-transmitted infection risk reduction

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Donor notification and counseling are critical components of a safe and ethical blood transfusion system. This study highlights the need to strengthen donor follow-up to ensure timely communication and care. By improving response rates, we not only protect recipients but also empower donors with vital health information. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, record-based study was conducted in the Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion at Pt. B. D. Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, over a period of 2 years. A total of 81,909 donors were registered, of whom 76,682 were found eligible. As part of routine blood bank practice, each donor had undergone medical screening, counseling, and transfusion-transmitted infection(s) (TTIs) awareness. All collected blood units were routinely tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV, syphilis, and malaria using standard methods. Donors with reactive screening results were notified up to three times at weekly intervals as per standard protocol. RESULTS: Among the 81,909 individuals who registered for blood donation, 76,682 were found eligible to donate. Out of these eligible donors, 2475 (3.22%) tested reactive for transfusion-transmitted infection(s) (TTIs). Hepatitis C had the highest prevalence (1.28%), followed by hepatitis B (1.03%), syphilis (0.58%), and HIV I and II (0.32%). The majority of reactive cases were reported in male donors, with the highest number observed in the 26–30-year age group. Approximately 84% of the reactive donors responded to notification. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights that a structured protocol of three telephonic notifications at weekly intervals, implemented as part of routine practice, achieved a high response rate of 83.51%. Notifying reactive donors is not merely procedural but an opportunity to support, inform, and protect, guided by awareness, trust, and empathy.