Article PDF first page preview

First page of Remote donor release in plasmapheresis

Background and objectives: Blood donor release prior to donation by a physician is mandatory in Germany according to current guidelines. Due to shortage of qualified staff the German Transfusion Act was modified allowing the use of telemedicine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of remote plasma donor release with respect to donor acceptance and safety. Study design and methods: In September and October 2024 remote donor release was studied in two plasmapheresis centres. Physicians not present in the participating centres digitally evaluated donor eligibility and released donors for plasma donation. Donors were asked about the procedure by means of a questionnaire after donation. Additionally, staff had the possibility to rate the procedure at the end of the study. Donor adverse events (AEs) were recorded and their severity and causality related to plasmapheresis were rated. Results: 243 donors fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Rating of donation safety by donors as well as future use of telemedicine procedures was fine. Staff also welcomed the introduction of telemedicine. The possible time saving of waiting time due to the use of telemedicine was appreciated. One mild AE was reported and the rate of AEs was (0.41 %). Conclusions: Our pilot study shows that remote release of plasma donors is feasible and accepted by both donors and staff. There were no concerns about donation safety.

Journal Section:
Research Article
This content is only available via PDF.
The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel
Open Access License / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC). Usage and distribution for commercial purposes requires written permission.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
2025
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License .
Attribution-NonCommercial