Authors : Ganashree C.P, Aparna M, Amrutha A.M, Vijayalakshmi M, Prashanth G
DOI : 10.18231/2394-2126.2019.0001
Volume : 6
Issue : 1
Year : 2019
Page No : 1-4
Introduction: Donating blood is a generous life-saving gift. It is important to take care of blood donors as health care aspect. Vasovagal reactions occur in 2-5% blood donations. The orthostatic effects superimposed on a hypovolemic state after the donation. Hence this study may become reference base for the protocol.
Objective: To compare orthostatic hypotension without and with various physiologic strategies to prevent fainting responses before and after whole blood donation.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted from July 2016 to Feb 2017.200 voluntary blood donors were included. They were divided into four groups A, B, C, D. (50 each) Group A as controls (without physiology strategies), group B (Salt water was given), group C (Lower body muscle tension was advised and group D (Both the strategies are applied). Orthostatic hypotension was measured before and immediately after blood donation, 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 15 minutes after blood donation.
Results: There was orthostatic hypotension after blood donation, with and without physiologic strategies compared to before blood donation.
Conclusion: Physiologic strategies may be advised to prevent fainting responses but need further studies to consider as protocol & compulsory and it is better to advice rest for minimum of 15 minutes.
Keywords: Orthostatic hypotension, Blood donation, Physiologic strategies, Salt water supplementation, Lower body muscle tension.