Complications related to blood donation: a population-based study

Background Population-based data on the rate and outcome of complications related to blood donation are sparse. Study Design and Methods Data from a survey conducted in 2003 in Aarhus County, Denmark, were used to assess the overall rate of donor complications. Additional nationwide data on moderate and severe donor complications were obtained from the Danish Register of Complications Related to Blood Donation, with records of all moderate and severe donor complications in Denmark occurring during the period 1997-2003. Results In the regional survey, we identified 340 complications of any type among 41 274 donations, corresponding to a rate of 824/100 000 donations [95% confidence interval (Cl): 741-916]. All complications were either needle injuries or vasovagal reactions. In the nationwide register, a total of 752 moderate and severe complications were recorded among 2 575 264 donations, corresponding to a rate of 29/100 000 donations (95% CI: 27-31). The rates of complications leading to long-term morbidity or disablement (> 5% loss of working capacity) were 5/100 000 donations (95% Cl: 4.2-5.9) and 2.3/100 000 donations (95% Cl: 1.8-2.9), respectively. Conclusion The risk of complications related to blood donation is low. However, attention towards donor complications is warranted, given the non-negligible rate of complications resulting in long-term morbidity and disablement.