(P-BC-27) Donor Wellness Testing of African American Donors for Sickle Cell Trait

Ranked 4^th most diverse city in the US, and 1^st among large cities according to 2023 study, African American (AA) blood donors only represented 7% of all procedures in 2023 at the local community blood center. With the need to increase the diversity of the blood supply, the center conducted a donor wellness campaign offering free sickle cell screening for AA blood donors during Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September 2023.  The center conducts approx. 7,000 mobile blood drives annually and has 17 fixed sites.   While historically the center selectively tests donations for Hgb S trait, not all AA donors are routinely tested. Donors have been unaware of Hgb S screening in advance of their donation and only receive results when positive for Sickle Cell Trait.

Study

Design/Methods:

In September 2023, donors selecting AA in their donor demographics during screening, were tested for Hgb S using an existing collection testing sample tube.   Testing was performed in-house, using a manual qualitative solubility test (Streck SICKLEDEX). Test results were added to the donor profile to assist with communications, and to prevent future duplicate screening of these donors. Donors were mailed letters of their results, positive or negative, within 3 weeks of donation.

Blood drive host groups, with highly diverse populations, were notified in advance of this offering to encourage blood drives and donor signups. Donors were targeted using marketing strategies, including social media, email, printed flyers, and general communications.  Talking points were created to ensure staff could answer questions. Donors receiving the positive screening notification letter also were given resources for learning more about what their results meant to their health, family planning, and future blood donations.

Results/Findings:

September 2023, the center collected from 1,266 allogeneic AA blood donors, yielding 1,648 components. Of those AA blood donors, 55% were repeat donors while 45% were first time blood donors.  78% of procedures were from mobile blood drives; 22% at fixed sites.   Gender breakdown, 53% Female; 47% Male.

Testing was completed on 1,122 of the AA blood donors.  90 donors tested positive for Hgb S (8%).  Of positive Hgb S donors, 20% returned for a subsequent donation post campaign 10/01/23 – 02/12/24. First time donors, 70%.  ABO distribution was 47% O, 30% A, 4% AB, 19% B. Gender, 59% Female; 41% Male.

Conclusions:

During the campaign, AA donors were 12.4% higher than the monthly average.  Donors testing positive for Hgb S were more likely to be first time blood donors, type O, and female. AA donors were more likely to donate at a mobile blood drive.  Showing evidence of increased participation by AA donors, the center plans to expand the screening program in 2024.