Abstract

 Background and objectives

 Demographic profiles of blood donors and prevalence of major viral markers in them are important as for as blood supply and donor retention are concerned. In this study, profiles of blood donors and prevalence of viral markers were studied in first-time donors and were then compared with those of repeat donors.

 Materials and Methods

 This study was carried out with census method in Esfahan Blood Transfusion Center in 2003. All samples were tested with ELISA method and reactive samples were confirmed. The findings were compared with those of repeat blood donors by c 2 and t- test.

 Results

 The age average and marital status rate in first time blood donors were less than the repeat donors (CI: 95%, P<0.05). The frequency of first-time female blood donors was very low. Most of first-time blood donors were businessmen and the second larger group belonged to employees (CI: 95%, P<0.05). Frequency of HBs Ag and HCV Ab reactive results in first-time blood donors was 1.4% and 0.5% respectively, and HIV Ab was negative for all of them. These values for repeat donors were 0.5% and 0.2% respectively, and HIV Ab was positive in 0.004% of these donors.

 Conclusions

 Iranian demographic data were different form developed countries. However, low frequency of female blood donors and lower prevalence of HBs Ag and HCV Ab in repeat blood donors were significant.

 Key words : First-time donors, Repeat donors, Demographic, Viral markers