Donor Health Monitoring: Strategies for Preventing Short- and Long-term Effects of Apheresis

Abstract

Apheresis is a vital procedure in transfusion medicine and therapeutic applications, enabling the collection of specific blood components or the therapeutic removal of pathological substances. While generally safe, apheresis presents notable challenges related to donor health, particularly in the context of repeated donations. Short-term complications, including hypocalcaemia, vasovagal reactions, and localised venous access issues, can cause immediate discomfort and procedural disruptions. Long-term effects, such as iron deficiency, bone density reduction, and potential immune dysregulation, also pose significant risks to frequent donors. Donor health monitoring is important in preventing these adverse effects by carrying out pre-donation screening, monitoring, and follow-up protocols. Despite these measures, challenges and research gaps remain, particularly concerning the long-term impacts of repeated apheresis on donor immune function and overall health. This review explores evidence-based strategies to mitigate these effects, and ensure donor safety while sustaining a reliable supply of blood products.