A syncopal reaction is one of the more common adverse reactions that blood donors experience. The American Red Cross (ARC) uses a number of criteria to describe the event.
Parameters:
(1) clinical features
(2) loss of consciousness (faint)
(3) injury
(4) recovery period
Clinical features with presyncope (prefaint):
(1) pallor
(2) weakness
(3) sweating (diaphoresis)
(4) light headedness
(5) dizziness
(6) nausea and/or vomiting
Loss of Consciousness
Description
none
prefaint or presyncope
< 1 minute
short
>= 1 minute
long
Loss of consciousness may be accompanied by:
(1) seizures
(2) loss of bladder or bowel control
Injuries that may occur:
(1) head injury
(2) fracture
(3) abrasion
(4) laceration
The recovery is considered prolonged if it takes more than 30 minutes.
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