Comprehensive Evaluation of Peripheral Blood Count Parameters in Donor Deferral: Its Utility as a Quality Control Tool in Blood Banking

This study assessed the role of peripheral blood counts in donor deferral and its utility as a quality control measure in blood banking. It was conducted retrospectively at the Department of Haematology, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from April 2023 to September 2023. The study included data from 5,515 donors aged 18-50 years, with weight >50 kg, pulse 60-100/minute, and normal blood pressure per AABB criteria. Donors with HBV or HCV positivity were excluded from donation. CBC analysis showed that 704 donors (12.7%) were deferred due to abnormal CBC results, with anaemia (46.3%)-primarily hypochromic-microcytic anaemia-being the leading cause. Thrombocytopenia and neutropenia were other significant parameters, followed by elevated mixed cell and total leucocyte counts. Most deferred donors did not return, emphasising the need for strategies to improve donor haematologic health and retention. Key Words: Blood banking, Peripheral blood parameters, Donor deferral.