Background/Case Studies: Apheresis platelet transfusion is vital for thrombocytopenic oncology patients. Blood banks face challenges in maintaining stock due to collection time, potential adverse reactions, and donor trust in operators. Ensuring a smooth, incident-free experience enhances efficiency and loyalty. This study assessed donor experience during the validation of new apheresis equipment in four Brazilian hemotherapy services.
Study
Design/Methods: From March to December of two thousand twenty-four, donors with a platelet count above two hundred thousand cells per microliter were pre-selected and invited to participate in the equipment validation process. They signed an Informed Consent Form acknowledging risks and authorizing data disclosure. After clinical and hematological screening, collection was performed.
A total of two hundred two platelet collections were conducted using the AmiCORE equipment. After collection, donors completed a questionnaire to assess their experience with the new device compared to previous donations. Confidentiality of responses was ensured.
Donor experience was evaluated based on their perception of the new equipment using a scale from one to ten, where one was "unpleasant" and ten was "very pleasant." Scores above seven were considered ideal.
Perioral tingling intensity was also assessed, using the same scale, where scores below four were considered ideal. Collection time, including reinfusion, was categorized as long, ideal, or short, with “adequate” and “short” responses considered ideal.
Finally, donors were asked if they would donate again using this equipment and whether they agreed to its inclusion in the service. A “yes” response was considered ideal. Positive parameters were based on historical service data.
Results/Findings: Only one donor, representing a very small percentage, considered the donation unpleasant, rating it as one. In contrast, the vast majority, over ninety-nine percent, found the experience very pleasant, with an average rating of nine compared to other devices. The average time on the equipment was ninety minutes, with a confidence interval ranging between eighty-eight and ninety-two minutes, and was deemed ideal in almost all collections. Perioral tingling was rated as low by nearly all donors, moderate by a few, and intense by a single donor, who rejected the equipment and had their collection interrupted.
Conclusions: Donor experience in platelet apheresis is crucial for adherence and loyalty to hemotherapy services. This study showed that the new equipment provided a highly satisfactory experience, with ninety-nine percent rating comfort and quality positively. The procedure time was appropriate, and discomfort, like perioral tingling, was minimal. The high approval rate confirms the equipment’s effectiveness, improving donor retention and ensuring a stable platelet stock.
