[Comparison of the suitability of first time and related blood donors].

In order to lessen the fear of transfusion-transmitted AIDS, formalized autologous and directed donation programs have been established. The advantages of directed donations, however, have been questioned. A comparison of the qualification of first time homologous and directed donations showed in our groups significant differences for HBsAg positivity, ESR and hemoglobin. The high rate of HBsAg positivity had to be attributed to directed donors of Turkish nationality due to the different epidemiological situation. It seems that directed donations do not improve transfusion safety.