Plateletapheresis program. I. Donor recruitment and commitment.

A dedicated cytapheresis donor program was developed to meet the need for granulocytes and single-donor platelets. A study was undertaken to determine the most effective way to recruit a panel of 500 HLA-typed committed volunteer cytapheresis donors. Factors analyzed included ease of donor recruitment, information necessary to assure donor commitment, rate and reasons for donor attrition, and donor reaction to participation in the program. Audiovisual educational materials were tested as a part of the recruitment process in terms of both motivating volunteer donors and guaranteeing their continued participation. Over a 16-month interval, 793 repeat donors of whole blood expressed an interest in joining the program. A simple brochure was enough to stimulate the majority of these donors (661 or 83%) to consider participation. Overall, 481 (61%) joined the program and were HLA typed. Of these, 311 (65%) required no additional information other than a brief phone exchange to answer questions. The remaining 170 (35%), at their request, received further structured education prior to enrollment. Actual participation in cytapheresis procedures was the major factor that maintained donor enthusiasm. Only 66 (16%) of the donors left the program during the first year; the majority were unable to participate because of circumstances beyond their control.