The risk of delayed systemic adverse effects was greater for a first-time donor (7% vs 1.6%).
Immediate adverse effects:
(1) citrate toxicity (limb or circumoral paresthesia)
(2) hematoma
(3) muscle spasm
(4) vasovagal reaction
Delayed local adverse effects:
(1) bruising
(2) sore arm
(3) hematoma
(4) allergic reaction (metal alloy in the needle, antiseptic, medicated adhesive band)
(5) weakness or fatigue in donation arm
Delayed systemic adverse effects:
(1) vasovagal reactions (can occur up to 24 hours after the procedure)
(2) fatigue
(3) muscle spasm
Risk factors for citrate toxicity:
(1) body weight <= 75 kg
(2) platelet count <= 230,000 per µL (associated with longer procedure times and greater exposure to anticoagulant)
(3) procedure lasting more than 60 minutes
A prophylactic oral citrate tablet may decrease citrate toxicity in patients with risk factors.
Risk factors for delayed hematoma:
(1) sports activities
(2) strenuous physical activity or lifting
(3) trauma of phlebotomy site
