Can we improve safety for young blood donors?

Young volunteers between the ages of 16–18 years contribute substantially to the blood supply in the United States, accounting for about 14% of the allogeneic whole blood collected by the American Red Cross in 2011. Donating blood, while quite safe, has some attendant risk, and reactions are most likely to occur in the youngest donors. Typically, reactions are minor, “vasovagal‐type” symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness that usually resolve promptly but are still unpleasant for the donor. Less commonly, syncope occurs after blood donation, and falls may result in injuries, such as concussions, lacerations or dental trauma. The risk of syncopal reactions is largely influenced by young age, estimated blood loss (>15% total blood volume), and inexperience with whole blood donation. This review describes the recent initiative to improve safety for young donors and the ongoing surveillance of reactions after whole blood donation in the American Red Cross.