Problems in donor recruitment.

Family members serve as an important source of cytapheresis donors, because they are concerned and are more likely to be histocompatible. However, products obtained from family members are often insufficient, and a need exists for nonrelated volunteer donors. These latter donors are often difficult to recruit, because the increased time required for donation requires an increase in employer cooperation, if donors are to give on company time. Recruitment is further complicated because the increased risk to the donor (over whole blood donation) requires a more detailed informed consent. The need for nonrelated volunteer cytapheresis donors can be met by education of business management to the need for such donors, and education of the donors regarding the relative risks.