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Authors

Vanessa Reynolds, Nancy L. Van Buren, Jed B. Gorlin

Abstract

Background

Blood center organizations (BCOs) have traditionally offered two gender choices (male or female) on the donor history questionnaire (DHQ). Our BCO was one of the first in the United States to offer additional options on our DHQ to improve the experience for gender nonconforming donors.

Study Design and Methods

Three years of data were analyzed from all blood donation visits between March 2019 and March 2022. Donors were stratified by gender categories and generation as follows: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, Boomers, and Silent. First time donor status, donor deferrals and infectious disease rates were evaluated for each category.

Results

Donor gender makeup included 127,072 (99.78%) Male/Female (M/F) and 282 (0.22%) Trans/Other (T/O) donors. The return rate for first-time donors was 36.75% for M/F donors compared to 33.84% for T/O donors. The generational breakdown of our T/O donors is 71.28% Gen Z, 21.99% Millennial, 3.19% Gen X, 3.55% Boomers and none from the Silent Generation. Comparing high risk DHQ deferrals, there were 719 (0.57%) M/F deferrals and 18 (6.38%) T/O deferrals. Disease marker testing resulted in 2314 (0.56%) deferrals of M/F donors compared to 2 (0.41%) T/O deferrals.

Conclusion

Increased gender options on the DHQ allowing gender diverse self-identification enhances inclusivity. Transgender and nonbinary individuals accounted for a minority of donors, most of whom are younger, and have a comparable return rate to M/F donors. Shifts in donor policies can ensure inclusivity of this diverse population and provide an opportunity to expand the base of eligible donors.

Publish Date / Last Revised
June 2, 2023
Resource Type
Topic / Pillar
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