Blood donors' helping behavior is driven by warm glow: more evidence for the blood donor benevolence hypothesis

BACKGROUND: The benevolence hypothesis (both donor and recipient gain) suggests that blood donors, compared to non–blood donors have a general altruistic motivational preference based on warm glow (i.e., “I donate because it makes me feel good”). With objective behavioral economics tests of altruism and warm‐glow giving, this paper offers the first direct experimental test of this hypothesis. The prediction that blood donors will be motivated in general by warm glow was compared to predictions from other theoretical models: strong reciprocity and empathy. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Four experiments and one prospective study examined blood donors' and nondonors' motivations for general charitable giving and blood donation. Variants of the dictator game (DG; a charity DG [CDG] and a warm‐glow version of a CDG) were used to provide objective measures of altruism. RESULTS: Blood donors gave less than nondonors on the CDG, but gave more on the warm‐glow version. Blood donors' actual donations (in the CDGs and blood donation) were associated with feelings of warm glow. There was no evidence that blood donors were motivated by strong reciprocity or empathic concerns. CONCLUSIONS: This paper offers objective behavioral evidence that blood donors' charitable giving and blood donation, compared to non–blood donors, is more strongly motivated by warm glow. This provides additional support for the benevolence hypothesis of blood donation.     

Easy come,easy go. Retention of blood donors

Retention of blood donors has benefits over recruitment of new blood donors. Retention is defined as preventing donors from lapsing and eventually becoming inactive. This review paper discusses literature on the importance of efforts to retain donors, specifically new donors, since lapsing is most common before the fifth donation. Studies have found that intention to donate, attitudes towards blood donation and self‐efficacy (does one feel capable of donating blood) are predictors of blood donation. Feelings of ‘warm glow’ predict donation behaviour better than altruism. The existing literature further suggests that first time donors can be retained by paying extra attention to adverse events (vasovagal reactions and fatigue). These events could be reduced by drinking water and muscle tension exercises. Feelings of anxiety (in regular donors) and stress can further prevent donors from returning. Planning donations amongst busy lives can help retention, and suggestions are given on which interventions might be helpful.     

Exploring the pattern of blood donor beliefs in first-time, novice, and experienced donors: differentiating reluctant altruism, pure altruism, impure altruism, and warm glow

BACKGROUND: Using constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior and theories of altruism, this article explores how multiple motivations and beliefs for blood donation are clustered and change across the donor career. In so doing important distinctions, for blood donation, between impure altruism, pure altruism, and warm glow are explored. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Measures of intentions, cognitive and affective attitudes, role merger, pure altruism, trust, self‐efficacy, subjective and moral norms, and habit formation were assessed in a sample of 12,580 whole blood donors. Analyses showed that a distinction between first‐time, novice (one to four donations), and experienced donors (five or more donations) is justified. Principal components analysis and confirmatory factor analytic Multiple‐Indicator Multiple‐Causal models were used to compare models across these groups. RESULTS: A cognition‐behavior (CB) factor, including intentions, was common to all groups. First‐time and novice donors were marked by a newly identified motivational factor: “reluctant altruism” (i.e., the motivation to donate because of a lack of trust in others). First‐time donors exhibited an impure altruism factor whereas for experienced donors warm glow and pure altruism factors were observed. For first‐time donors impure altruism and reluctant altruism were both associated with the CB factor in females and impure altruism only in males. For both sexes reluctant altruism was associated of the CB factor in novice donors and warm glow and pure altruism for experienced donors. CONCLUSIONS: New avenues for intervention are suggested by the emergence of reluctant altruism for novice donors and warm glow for experienced donors. The importance of distinguishing aspects of altruism is highlighted.     

An adapted postdonation motivational interview enhances blood donor retention

BACKGROUND: Blood donors may hold conflicting thoughts about future donation. While they may perceive the direct benefit to themselves and others, they often report compelling reasons not to give again. As a result the standard encouragements to return may not be sufficient to motivate some donors. This study examined the effects of a postdonation adapted motivational interview (AMI) on blood donor attitudes and repeat donation behavior. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donors (n = 215) were randomly assigned to either an AMI or a no‐interview control group. Approximately 1 month after their index donation, donors in the AMI group completed a brief telephone interview to clarify individual‐specific motivations and values concerning blood donation and address potential barriers. They were then asked to complete questionnaires regarding donation attitudes, anxiety, self‐efficacy, and intention to donate. Donors in the control group were also contacted 1 month after donation and asked to complete the same series of questionnaires. RESULTS: Donors in the AMI group reported greater intention to provide a future donation (F = 8.13, p < 0.05), more positive donation attitudes (F = 4.59, p < 0.05), and greater confidence in their ability to avoid adverse reactions (F = 10.26, p < 0.01). Further, AMI was associated with higher rates of attempted donation at 12 months (odds ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.27‐4.87). CONCLUSION: Application of an AMI may be an effective strategy to increase the donor pool by enhancing retention of existing donors.     

Vasovagal reactions in whole blood donors at three REDS-II blood centers in Brazil

BACKGROUND: In Brazil little is known about adverse reactions during donation and the donor characteristics that may be associated with such events. Donors are offered snacks and fluids before donating and are required to consume a light meal after donation. For these reasons the frequency of reactions may be different than those observed in other countries. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross‐sectional study was conducted of eligible whole blood donors at three large blood centers located in Brazil between July 2007 and December 2009. Vasovagal reactions (VVRs) along with donor demographic and biometric data were collected. Reactions were defined as any presyncopal or syncopal event during the donation process. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of VVRs. RESULTS: Of 724,861 donor presentations, 16,129 (2.2%) VVRs were recorded. Rates varied substantially between the three centers: 53, 290, and 381 per 10,000 donations in Recife, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte, respectively. Although the reaction rates varied, the donor characteristics associated with VVRs were similar (younger age [18‐29 years], replacement donors, first‐time donors, low estimated blood volume [EBV]). In multivariable analysis controlling for differences between the donor populations in each city younger age, first‐time donor status, and lower EBV were the factors most associated with reactions. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with VVRs in other locations are also evident in Brazil. The difference in VVR rates between the three centers might be due to different procedures for identifying and reporting the reactions. Potential interventions to reduce the risk of reactions in Brazil should be considered.     

SI30The Naughties–Recruiting Donors in the Decade of Donor Deferrals

Donor deferral rates continue to rise inexorably. Currently in Scotland more than a third of new donors are deferred, and nearly 20% of all donors attending. This reflects not only some major precautionary measures, e.g. the exclusion of donors with a history of transfusion since 1980, but also the increasing stringency and effectiveness of our selection procedures. The CSD SAC has been working to make the donor selection guidelines more evidence based, but often there is little or no evidence to guide decision making. Donors are frequently upset and angry at what they see as arbitrary decisions. While they are not always right, and cannot be considered to have a right to donate, their reaction may be triggered by the paternalistic nature of our approach to this issue. While accepting that we must do nothing to jeopardise recipient safety, an argument can be constructed for putting our relationship with potential donors on a more ‘modern’ footing, perhaps by defining a ‘contract’ which allows for a definition of, and acceptance of, the risks of donation on a ‘partnership’ basis. It is also fair to say that improvements in recipient safety due to the extreme sensitivity of donation testing have as yet had no impact on donor selection. This is not unreasonable but as and when pathogen inactivation becomes a reality it will perhaps provide an opportunity to review donor selection criteria for which we should be prepared. The threat that testing for vCJD might drastically reduce the available donor base should provide the stimulus for us to begin to contemplate a ‘paradigm shift’ in donor selection.     

Attitudes towards blood donation and transfusion in Bamenda, Republic of Cameroon

Objectives: This study was conducted in Bamenda, Cameroon. The objectives of the study were to develop a theoretical framework to better understand local attitudes towards blood donation and transfusion, to identify factors that motivate and deter blood donation and to identify interventions to improve the supply of blood for transfusion at Bamenda Regional Hospital. Background: The supply of blood for transfusion in sub‐Saharan Africa is insufficient. Cameroon has no national blood service and the collection and screening of blood is the responsibility of individual hospitals. At Bamenda Regional Hospital patient relatives recruit replacement blood donors, who may or may not be family members, and shortages of blood and delays in transfusion are frequent. Materials and Methods: Qualitative research methods were used: direct observation, in‐depth interviews, focus group discussions and a simulation exercise. Participants were clinical and laboratory staff, patient relatives, blood donors, secondary school students and community members. Results: Attitudes towards blood donation and transfusion fit a transanctionalist framework of health decision making. Deterrents to blood donation are multiple and varied. Some form of compensation is often expected, even by family members, although the blood donation is still considered ‘voluntary’ by the donor. Conclusion: This study confirms that interventions to improve the blood supply must take into account local attitudes and conditions. In Bamenda, a variety of pragmatic approaches are required including education around specific biological misperceptions identified in the study and the retention of replacement donors as repeat donors. Issues around compensation for blood donation require further work.     

Social support attenuates presyncopal reactions to blood donation

BACKGROUND: The experience of unpleasant blood donation reactions (e.g., dizziness, nausea, and fainting) has been linked to negative attitudes about donation and decreased likelihood of repeat donation. Consequently, interventions to reduce the adverse effects of blood donation are important and likely to increase donor retention. Based on laboratory studies suggesting that social support attenuates both physical and psychological responses to stress, the present study hypothesized that the presence of a supportive person during the donation process may help reduce reactions.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A final sample of 65 men and women with fewer than three prior donations was randomly assigned to either donate blood as usual or donate with a supportive research assistant. Donors in the support condition were accompanied throughout the donation process by a female research assistant who provided encouragement, made reassuring remarks, and engaged in small talk. Donors in both conditions completed a series of questions to assess anxiety, experience of prefaint reactions, and willingness to provide a future donation.
RESULTS: Compared to standard donation controls, donors in the social support condition reported fewer prefaint reactions (F(1,61) = 9.15, p = 0.004, η²= 0.13) and greater likelihood of donating again within the next year (Z =−1.70, p < 0.05, one-tailed).
CONCLUSION: Relatively novice donors report reduced reactions to blood donation when accompanied by a supportive individual, suggesting that social support may be a simple strategy to enhance the donation experience and possibly increase donor retention.     

Analysis of Chinese donors' return behavior

BACKGROUND: It is important to understand donor return behavior. Converting first‐time donors to become repeat donors is essential for maintaining an adequate blood supply. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Characteristics of 241,552 whole blood (WB) donations from first‐time and repeat donors who donated in 2008 at the five blood centers in China were compared. A subset of 54,394 WB donors who donated between January 1 and March 31, 2008, were analyzed for their return behavior in 2008 after the index donation using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of all donations, 64% were from first‐time donors. Donors with self‐reported previous donations tended to be male, older, and married; donated larger volume (≥300 mL); and were heavier in weight. Among donors who donated from January to March 2008, 14% returned for subsequent WB donations by the end of 2008. The number of previous donations and blood collection location were the two strongest predictors for making subsequent donations. Donors with one, two to three, and more than three previous donations were 3.7, 5.7, and 11.0 times more likely to return than first‐time donors. Those who donated in a blood collection vehicle were four times more likely to return than those who donated at a blood center. Being female, younger, and of a lower education level (middle school or less) were positively associated with subsequent return blood donation during the follow‐up period observed in this study. CONCLUSION: Most of the Chinese blood supply is from first‐time donors. Strategies aimed at encouraging current donors to become repeat donors are needed.     

Motivation and social capital among prospective blood donors in three large blood centers in Brazil

BACKGROUND: Studies analyzing motivation factors that lead to blood donation have found altruism to be the primary motivation factor; however, social capital has not been analyzed in this context. Our study examines the association between motivation factors (altruism, self‐interest, and response to direct appeal) and social capital (cognitive and structural) across three large blood centers in Brazil. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 7635 donor candidates from October 15 through November 20, 2009. Participants completed self‐administered questionnaires on demographics, previous blood donation, human immunodeficiency virus testing and knowledge, social capital, and donor motivations. Enrollment was determined before the donor screening process. RESULTS: Among participants, 43.5 and 41.7% expressed high levels of altruism and response to direct appeal, respectively, while only 26.9% expressed high levels of self‐interest. More high self‐interest was observed at Hemope‐Recife (41.7%). Of participants, 37.4% expressed high levels of cognitive social capital while 19.2% expressed high levels of structural social capital. More high cognitive and structural social capital was observed at Hemope‐Recife (47.3 and 21.3%, respectively). High cognitive social capital was associated with high levels of altruism, self‐interest, and response to direct appeal. Philanthropic and high social altruism were associated with high levels of altruism and response to direct appeal. CONCLUSION: Cognitive and structural social capital and social altruism are associated with altruism and response to direct appeal, while only cognitive social capital is associated with self‐interest. Designing marketing campaigns with these aspects in mind may help blood banks attract potential blood donors more efficiently.     

Sociodemographic and attitudinal factors to blood donation in the urban population of Dakar,Senegal

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this analysis were 1) to compare the sociodemographic characteristics of donors and nondonors, 2) to describe the channels through which Dakar's population is made aware of blood donation, and 3) to analyze the motivations and barriers to blood donation expressed by donors and nondonors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD: A survey of 600 individuals age 20 and older representative of Dakar's population was conducted in 2009 to analyze awareness of blood donation, donor characteristics, and barriers and motivations to blood donation. RESULTS: A total of 94.7% of the respondents had already heard of giving blood and 25.8% had already donated. Men and individuals age 40 and over are overrepresented among donors (chi‐square [1 ddl] = 19.54, p < 0.001; chi‐square [3 ddl] = 14.24, p < 0.01). Those with higher education were also more likely to be donors (chi‐square [4 ddl] = 38.91, p < 0.001). Main motivations to blood donation are altruism (43%) and awareness of a blood shortage (20.33%). Never having been contacted to give blood is the number one obstacle to blood donation (37.31%). CONCLUSIONS: In Dakar, the vast majority of people are familiar with the practice of giving blood. The sociodemographic characteristics of blood donors, and the main motivations and barriers to blood donation are the same in Dakar as in other countries, but this study also demonstrates the importance to inform Dakarites that blood donation does not amount to a blood test, that donating is not harmful for one's health, and that the blood donated is quickly regenerated.     

Motivators and barriers to blood donation in African American college students

Background

An adequate blood supply depends on volunteer non-remunerated blood donors. African Americans have lower blood donation rates than whites. To improve African American blood donation rates, the motivators and barriers to African Americans must be explored. This study investigated the differences in motivators and barriers to blood donation between donor and non-donor African American college students.

Methods

African Americans college students at two Historically Black Colleges and Universities completed a 41-item, self-administered questionnaire, which assessed participant’s donation frequency, motivators and barriers toward donation, and knowledge and beliefs towards blood donation.

Results

Three hundred and sixty four primarily female college students (96% African Americans, 93% female) completed the questionnaire. Forty-nine percent reported prior blood donation experience (donors) and 51% were non-donors. The primary motivator for donors and non-donors was convenience (89% donor, 82% non-donor). Donors were more likely than non-donors to disagree with statements regarding blood donation as being too painful (82% donor, 44% non-donor), resulting in feeling faint, dizzy, or nauseated (61% donor, 29% non-donor). Donors more often agreed that the blood supply is safe (77% donor, 58% non-donor), less often concerned about receiving a transfusion (61% donor, 73% non-donor), and more often aware of local blood shortages (50% donor, 35% non-donor).

Conclusions

African Americans female college students are willing to donate blood given convenience and support from their university. Educational campaigns to increase knowledge regarding the safety of the blood donation process and the ongoing needs of an adequate blood supply might be effective methods to increase blood donation.     

Exploring the dynamics of the theory of planned behavior in the context of blood donation: does donation experience make a difference?

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the influence of different variables from the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on intention within multiple donation categories, covering the entire range of lifetime number of donations (LND). Does the same set of variables predict intention equally strong throughout the donor career? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Measures of intention, self‐efficacy, cognitive and affective attitude, and subjective and moral norms were assessed within a sample of 11,480 whole blood donors. Donors were categorized into 65 donation classes using their LND; for example, all donors with one donation (n = 483) in the first donation class, all donors with two donations (n = 447) in the second donation class, and so on. For each donation class, separately for men and women, linear multiple regression models for intention were fitted using self‐efficacy, cognitive attitude, affective attitude, subjective norm, and moral norm as predictor variables. RESULTS: During all stages of the donor career, self‐efficacy is the main predictor of intention, with a relatively constant beta (β = 0.64, p < 0.001). Cognitive attitude (β = 0.11, p < 0.001) and moral norm (β = 0.10, p < 0.001) contributed marginally to the prediction. Several sex effects were observed; self‐efficacy is a stronger predictor of intention in women, whereas subjective norm predicts intention in men only. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the number of lifetime donations, the same set of TPB variables, both in composition and in relative strength, predicts intention. A feeling of self‐efficacy remains equally important for all donors. It is worthwhile to study whether directed intervention strategies are necessary to target self‐efficacy within donor groups with different levels of donation experience.     

The role of altruistic behavior, empathetic concern, and social responsibility motivation in blood donation behavior

BACKGROUND: Blood donation can be described as a prosocial behavior, and donors often cite prosocial reasons such as altruism, empathy, or social responsibility for their willingness to donate. Previous studies have not quantitatively evaluated these characteristics in donors or examined how they relate to donation frequency.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: As part of a donor motivation study, 12,064 current and lapsed donors answered questions used to create an altruistic behavior, empathetic concern, and social responsibility motivation score for each donor. Analysis of variance was used to compare mean scores by demographics and donor status and to determine the influence of each variable on the mean number of donations in the past 5 years.
RESULTS: The mean score for each prosocial characteristic appeared high, with lower scores in male and younger donors. Higher altruistic behavior and social responsibility motivation scores were associated with increased past donation frequency, but the effects were minor. Empathetic concern was not associated with prior donation. The largest differences in prior donations were by age and donor status, with older and current donors having given more frequently.
CONCLUSION: Most blood donors appear to have high levels of the primary prosocial characteristics (altruism, empathy, and social responsibility) commonly thought to be the main motivators for donation, but these factors do not appear to be the ones most strongly related to donation frequency. Traditional donor appeals based on these characteristics may need to be supplemented by approaches that address practical concerns like convenience, community safety, or personal benefit.     

role of altruistic behavior, empathetic concern, and social responsibility motivation in blood donation behavior.

BACKGROUND: Blood donation can be described as a prosocial behavior, and donors often cite prosocial reasons such as altruism, empathy, or social responsibility for their willingness to donate. Previous studies have not quantitatively evaluated these characteristics in donors or examined how they relate to donation frequency. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: As part of a donor motivation study, 12,064 current and lapsed donors answered questions used to create an altruistic behavior, empathetic concern, and social responsibility motivation score for each donor. Analysis of variance was used to compare mean scores by demographics and donor status and to determine the influence of each variable on the mean number of donations in the past 5 years. RESULTS: The mean score for each prosocial characteristic appeared high, with lower scores in male and younger donors. Higher altruistic behavior and social responsibility motivation scores were associated with increased past donation frequency, but the effects were minor. Empathetic concern was not associated with prior donation. The largest differences in prior donations were by age and donor status, with older and current donors having given more frequently. CONCLUSION: Most blood donors appear to have high levels of the primary prosocial characteristics (altruism, empathy, and social responsibility) commonly thought to be the main motivators for donation, but these factors do not appear to be the ones most strongly related to donation frequency. Traditional donor appeals based on these characteristics may need to be supplemented by approaches that address practical concerns like convenience, community safety, or personal benefit.     

Blood donor satisfaction and intention of future donation

BACKGROUND: New regulatory requirements for donor eligibility challenge blood centers to recruit and retain enough donors. This study evaluated correlations between overall satisfaction with the donation process and donor demographics and the effect of both on a donor's intent to return. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was given to donors at multiple sites of one blood center over a 3-week period. First-time and repeat donors were asked questions on demographic characteristics, satisfaction with the current donation process, motivation for current and future donations, and intent to return. RESULTS: More than 75 percent of donors rated the overall donation process at 9 or 10 on a scale of 10 (mean, 9.19; standard deviation, 1.09), with female, high school-educated, and first-time donors giving higher satisfaction ratings than male, college-educated, and repeat donors, respectively (all p < 0.001). Donor satisfaction was correlated with intent to return for another donation (p = 0.002). For the current donation, donors rated altruistic motivations most highly. Medical testing was the most highly rated incentive for future donations, followed by frequent donor programs and convenient donation times and locations; preferences varied by demographic subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Blood donor satisfaction varies among demographic and donation history subgroups and is positively correlated with the intent to return for future donation. Although the primary motivation among all donors was altruism, incentives to future donation may need to be tailored according to demographic subgroups.     

Blood donation behavior of Hispanics in the lower Rio Grande Valley

This study was designed to determine the blood donation behavior and attitudes of Hispanic residents of the Lower Rio Grande Valley for the purpose of developing promotional and educational approaches to enhance levels of donor participation. Personal interviews of 545 respondents were conducted in English and Spanish using quota sampling and standard intercept techniques at lower- and middle-income supermarkets in five cities during a payday weekend. A number of research hypotheses were established to test for demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal differences that were observed in donors and nondonors using chi-square analysis and multiple discriminant analysis. After analyzing the difference between Hispanics and non-Hispanics for blood donation rates, all non-Hispanics were eliminated from analysis, and the remaining 419 Hispanics were evaluated on the basis of their donor behavior. Donation among Hispanics was most likely to be by better- educated, English-speaking, higher-job-status individuals who had participated in a blood donation drive. Donors tend to have parent(s) who were donors, and they were also more likely to carry an organ donor card. Donors were found to vary in their behaviors as well as their attitudes and beliefs. Perceptions of a lack of safety in donating, the risk of contracting acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and the financial motivation of donors were most pronounced among Hispanics, which indicated a need for improved education on these issues.     

Interdonation intervals and patterns of return among blood donors in Brazil

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, most donations come from repeat donors, but there are little data on return behavior of donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donors who made at least one whole blood donation in 2007 were followed for 2 years using a large multicenter research database. Donation frequency, interdonation intervals, and their association with donor demographics, status, and type of donation were examined among three large blood centers in Brazil, two in the southeast and one in the northeast. RESULTS: In 2007, of 306,770 allogeneic donations, 38.9% came from 95,127 first‐time donors and 61.1% from 149,664 repeat donors. Through December 31, 2009, a total of 28.1% of first‐time donors and 56.5% of repeat donors had donated again. Overall, the median interdonation interval was approximately 6 months. Among men it was 182 and 171 days for first‐time and repeat donors, and among women, 212 and 200 days. Predictors of return behavior among first‐time donors were male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13‐1.20), community donation (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 2.20‐2.33), and age 24 years or less (OR, 0.62‐0.89 for donors ≥25 years). Among repeat donors predictors were male sex (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.32‐1.39), age 35 years or more (OR, 1.08‐1.18 vs. ≤24 years), and community donation (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 2.33‐2.44). Differences in return by geographic region were evident with higher return rates in the northeast of Brazil. CONCLUSION: These data highlight the need to develop improved communication strategies for first‐time and replacement donors to convert them into repeat community donors.     

The value of pre-donation pulse assessment for apheresis donors

Objectives: During apheresis, donors have up to 6·5 L of blood processed and receive citrated plasma during the return cycle. It is of concern that a donor with an unrecognised significant cardiac abnormality might therefore be put at further risk during apheresis. Background: Apheresis donors with cardiac abnormalities may be at increased risk of severe adverse reactions as a result of repeated volume loss or the adverse effect of citrate anticoagulant on cardiac contractility as the result of reduction in ionised calcium. An abnormal rate or rhythm may indicate a cardiac abnormality. Methods: At two donation centres between May 2001 and April 2009, the pulse rate and rhythm of every donor was measured before each apheresis procedure they underwent. Donors with a pulse rate outside the range 50–100 beats per minute and/or pulse irregularity were deferred from donation and referred to their general practitioner (GP). Results: Data from 3945 apheresis donors (3874 platelet donors, 71 plasma donors, 3595 males, 350 females) were reviewed. Two hundred thirty‐eight donors (6%) were identified as having abnormal pulses and were referred to their GP. Eighty‐one donors had bradycardia, 16 had tachycardia and 141 had an irregular pulse. Fifteen of the 3945 donors (0·4%) were found to have significant cardiac disease and withdrawn from the donor panel. Conclusions: By simple monitoring, donors who may be at increased risk from the apheresis procedure can be identified. By performing pre‐donation pulse assessment of all apheresis donors, we fulfil our medicolegal duty by not putting donors at avoidable risk.