Search

Over90% of recipients of HIV infected blood will seroconvert. In the Region 368 cases were due to transmission through blood or blood products. With establishment of HIV screening facilities, the proportion of AIDS cases due to blood transmission has decreased. AIDS due to blood transmission will continue to occur due to the time lag between the occurrence of HIV infection and appearance of AIDS. HIV seroprevalence among recipients of multiple blood transfusions decreased from 270 per 10 000 in 1987-89 to 7 per 10 000 in 1995. Effective methods are available for prevention of HIV transmission through blood, but antigen and PCR tests are expensive and not recommended for screening of blood donations in developing countries

espanolObjetivo. Como pais caribeno, la Republica Dominicana es considerada endemica para HTLV-1. El proposito de este trabajo es analizar la seroprevalencia y la tendencia del HTLV-1/2 en donantes de Santo Domingo, que al ser la capital concentra la mayoria de las donaciones. Tambien pretendemos comparar nuestros hallazgos con los datos de los paises vecinos. Pacientes y metodos. Hemos realizado un estudio transversal retrospectivo de los 10 centros de transfusion de Santo Domingo que comunicaron la deteccion de HTLV y las otras infecciones de transmision sanguinea en su totalidad, que representan mas del 40% de las donaciones de la provincia. Se determino la seroprevalencia anual de HTLV-1/2, la prevalencia del periodo (2012-2017) y la tendencia temporal. Resultados. Se evaluaron un total de 352.960 donaciones. La prevalencia de HTLV-1/2 en el periodo estudiado fue del 0,26% (929/352.960) (IC del 95%: 0,24–0,28%). Encontramos un marcado predominio de la donacion de reemplazo en comparacion con la voluntaria. Por lo tanto, este estudio puede proporcionar claves sobre la prevalencia general de la infeccion. Conclusiones. La seroprevalencia de HTLV-1/2 en donantes de sangre de Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana, ha sido relativamente baja y estable en el periodo estudiado. EnglishObjectives. Being a Caribbean country, the Dominican Republic is considered endemic for HTLV-1. Viral screening in blood banks is recommended for this blood borne infection. The purpose of this work is to analyze the seroprevalence and trends of HTLV-1/2 in the Dominican Republic blood donors; it is focused on Santo Domingo, the capital of the country, which has the largest blood donation activity. We also aim at comparing our findings with published data from neighboring countries. Patients and methods. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of 10 blood centers of Santo Domingo, which reported HTLV and the other blood-transmitted infections in full. They represent more than 40% of the province’s blood donations. Annual seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2, period prevalence (2012-2017), and time trend were determined. Results. A total of 352,960 blood donations were evaluated. The HTLV-1/2 period prevalence was 0.26% (929/352,960) (95% CI: 0.24–0.28%). We also found a marked predominance of replacement donation (90.4%) in comparison to voluntary contributions (9.6%). Therefore, this blood donor study may provide clues on the general prevalence of the infection. Conclusions. Seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 in blood donors of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, showed a relatively low and steady trend in the studied period.

Background COVID-19 first appeared in Iran on 19 February 2020, and then spread rapidly over the country. In this article, we review the action plan of the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization with respect to this disease. Method and materials We collected data on blood donations and RBC inventory for the first 8 weeks of the outbreak. We also evaluated the trend of blood donations and RBC inventory and compared them with the data of the past year. We include a summary of actions taken by the National Committee on Management of COVID-19 outbreak. Results Blood donations decreased from 33 275 to 23 465 units during the first 2 weeks of the outbreak with a corresponding decrease in the RBC inventory. But after that, donations gradually increased from 23 465 to 29 665 units. RBC inventory levels improved at the same time. Then, the Iranian New Year's holiday resulted in another downward trend. After the holiday, blood donations revived, along with the RBC inventory. Discussion Although it appears that this virus cannot be transmitted through transfusion, changes in lifestyle had a significant impact on reducing blood supply. Following implemented measures, we saw an upward trend in blood donations and an adequate supply of RBC units in blood centres, helped by a reduction in demand by hospitals. Blood centres need to be more prepared to manage future viral disasters, especially in case of transfusion-transmissible infections.

Background and objectives Assessment of HBV-NAT testing compared to HBsAg and anti-HBc screening in German blood establishments for the period 2008-2015. Materials and methods Blood donations screened for HBsAg and anti-HBc along with HBV-NAT were evaluated. Sensitivity of HBsAg and HBV-NAT tests was compared in 30 HBV seroconversion panels and with the viral load of the NAT-only cases. Residual risk for HBV in the WP was modelled. Results A total of 45 270 111 donations were evaluated. There were 29 NAT-only cases in the HBsAg-negative HBV-WP, one by ID-NAT and 28 by MP-NAT. MP-NAT, on average, showed higher sensitivity than HBsAg testing: MP-NAT-LoD of 146 IU/ml vs. 362 IU/ml HBV DNA for positive HBsAg detection (range 135-1502 IU/ml), resulting in 3·1 days (range 2·0-4·8 days) earlier HBV detection. Viral loads of the NAT-only cases confirmed the sensitivity of the HBV tests in the seroconversion study. One HBsAg-negative case was due to a new HBsAg mutant combination. There was one HBsAg-reactive only case. In addition, HBV incidence in the HBV-WP included 41 HBsAg-/HBV-NAT-positives and three HBV transmission cases. The residual risk for HBsAg was estimated to be 1:1 619 419-1 268 474 compared to 1:2 793 365-2 134 702 for MP-NAT. Within chronic HBV (HBsAg-/anti-HBc-positive and MP-NAT-negative) 70% were ID-NAT positive at low viral load (median 20 IU/ml). Among anti-HBc-only, supplementary ID-NAT detected 23 occult HBV infections. Conclusions In the HBV-WP, MP-NAT provided a higher sensitivity than HBsAg testing, obtained a considerably higher yield and reduced the risk for HBV transmission. In later HBV stages, anti-HBc screening and HBV-ID-NAT intercepted potentially infectious donations.

Background Physicians may be an important source of blood donations as they are more likely to be familiar with the importance of donating and the donation process. The aim of this study is to report physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards voluntary and non‐voluntary blood donations. Study Design and Methods This was a cross‐sectional study conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Saudi Arabia. One‐hundred‐and‐sixteen physicians and dentists responded to an online structured questionnaire sent to their institutional emails. Results Sixty‐eight percent of participants (79% of males and 43% of females) reported previously having donated blood. Eighty‐six percent of donors had previously donated on a voluntary basis, whereas 31% of donors had previously donated for a specific person. A recent donation within 5 years was associated with the younger age group and knowledge of the minimum interval between donations. Fifty‐six percent of participants agreed with using replacement donations. Compared to participants in the youngest age group (25‐35 years), older participants in the age groups (46‐55 years) and (>55 years) were less likely to express intention to donate in the next 6 months (OR 0.289, P = .022 and OR 0.083, P = .004, respectively). Participants reporting poor nutritional status or other medical reasons as a barrier to donating blood were less likely to intend to donate (OR 0.146, P

Blood transfusions are a new problem in Islamic law discourse. In the context of Jurisprudence studies, blood includes unclean objects material (lidzatihi). And there is no syar'i law that explicitly addresses the practice of blood transfusions. This confuses Muslim life. Risks and also benefits arising from the practice of blood transfusions both, from donors and recipients of blood donations (recipient) need to be considered by both. The purpose of this is to save the lives of the recipient either, because of accidents or diseases. The unlawful legal status of the use of blood becomes mandatory when faced with urgent needs, at a time when blood transfusions are the only way to save a person's life. In this case, it is based on the fourth principle Fiqhiyyah rule which is: al-Ḍarar Yuza>l (الضَّرَرُ يُزَالُ) that the danger must be eliminated/prevented. So the practice of blood donation is a thing that must be done to avoid greater harm, for example, it will lose lives if it does not immediately make a blood donation. Also, it is revealed in a hadith narrated by Ibn Majah from Ibn 'Abbas, لَا ضَرَرَ وَلَا ضِرَر (not to fade and should not be harmed). Therefore, in practice, blood transfusions need to have adhered to the procedural requirements of the health program to donors and recipients so as not only to eliminate the danger of recipients but also avoid harm to the donor.

Objectives To metagenomically analyse blood units originating from the Brazilian Amazon and positive for parenterally transmitted infections (human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), Chagas disease or syphilis). Methods Twenty plasma samples (35% HBV-positive, 10% HIV-positive, 10% HCV-positive, 20% positive for syphilis, 20% for Chagas disease, and 5% for HTLV) assembled in pools were analysed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. The obtained raw sequencing data were submitted to a bioinformatic pipeline set up for identification of emerging viruses. The viral reads of interest were phylogenetically analysed and confirmed by PCR in the individual samples. Results The metagenomic analysis identified contigs belonging to the emerging human Gemykibivirus-2 (HuGkV-2) in two pools. The HuGkV-1 phylogeny demonstrated that the Amazonian isolate formed a separate cluster with other HuGkV-2 strains obtained from human hosts. The PCR confirmation detected HuGkV-1 DNA in three individual samples (15%). Conclusions HuGkV-2 is an emerging virus with unknown clinical impact. The detection of HuGkV-2 DNA in blood donations positive for parenterally transmitted infections showed that HuGkV-2 can be considered as an opportunistic viral agent with a hypothetic parenteral transmission route.

The emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas has resulted in increased nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) of clinical samples and blood donations. New molecular diagnostic assays have been developed resulting in a corollary requirement for ZIKV reference material. To address this we have produced and calibrated two African lineage ZIKV reference materials: a highly concentrated secondary standard (NIBSC: 16/110) and a lower concentration external quality control (QC) reagent (NIBSC: 16/124) and compared their performance in three ZIKV NAT assays in relation with the First International Standard (IS) for Zika Virus NAT assays (PEI: 11468/16). In summary the African lineage ZIKV reference materials were detected by all three assays. The ZIKV lineage did not affect the performance of the secondary standard. The external QC reagent (16/124) was detected by all three assays highlighting its suitability for use as a low positive control to monitor assay performance on a regular basis. The relative potency of 16/110 to the IS was 5.49E+06IU/mL (95% CI: 1.46E+06–2.06E+07) and 16/124 to 16/110 was 8.36E+03 (95% CI: 7.83E+03–8.92E+03). The global availability of African lineage ZIKV reference materials will facilitate standardization of ZIKV molecular diagnostic assays between and within laboratories whilst preserving the IS.

In 2016, the World Health Assembly adopted a Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis, with targets set for the years 2020 and 2030 to achieve hepatitis elimination. The main target of hepatitis elimination strategy is to reduce the incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 90% and mortality by 65% in 2030. In last 5 years, the number of people receiving HCV treatment has increased from 1 million to 9.4 million; however, this number is far from the 2030 target of 40 million people receiving HCV treatment. HBV and HCV incidence rates are down from 1.4 million to 1.1 million annual deaths but this is far from the 2030 target of < 0.5 million deaths. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has severely affected the efforts in the fight against hepatitis. No major donor has committed to investing in the fight against hepatitis. Time is running out. There is a need to speed up efforts in the fight against hepatitis to achieve hepatitis elimination by 2030.

Ex vivo-generated red blood cells are a promising resource for future safe blood products, manufactured independently of voluntary blood donations. The physiological process of terminal maturation from spheroid reticulocytes to biconcave erythrocytes has not been accomplished yet. A better biomechanical characterization of cultured red blood cells (cRBCs) will be of utmost interest for manufacturer approval and therapeutic application. Here, we introduce a novel optical tweezer (OT) approach to measure the deformation and elasticity of single cells trapped away from the coverslip. To investigate membrane properties dependent on membrane lipid content, two culture conditions of cRBCs were investigated, cRBCPlasmawith plasma and cRBCHPLsupplemented with human platelet lysate. Biomechanical characterization of cells under optical forces proves the similar features of native RBCs and cRBCHPL, and different characteristics for cRBCPlasma. To confirm these results, we also applied a second technique, digital holographic microscopy (DHM), for cells laid on the surface. OT and DHM provided related results in terms of cell deformation and membrane fluctuations, allowing a reliable discrimination between cultured and native red blood cells. The two techniques are compared and discussed in terms of application and complementarity.

COVID-19 pandemic has imposed worldwide challenge and has significantly affected transfusion medicine. Shortage in blood products along with concerns regarding the safety of blood products have emerged. Measures to overcome these challenges have been implemented in order to decrease the demand on blood products and to encourage blood donations while taking full precautions to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission mainly at blood banks and medical centers. Several countries have been successful in facing these new challenges. In addition, the role of plasma therapy in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, especially in severe cases, has been proposed and current studies are being conducted to determine its efficacy. Other therapeutic options are currently being explored. So far, the use of convalescent plasma is considered a promising rescue treatment to be looked at.

Some UK universities are introducing covid-19 screening programmes using pooled testing to help prevent outbreaks and allow campuses to stay open. The University of Cambridge and the University of Nottingham are both using pooled testing, which involves mixing several samples together and then testing the pooled sample. If the result comes back positive the people in the group then need to be tested individually. This approach increases the number of people who can be tested using the same amount of resources—saving time, supplies, and money. However, some experts have raised concerns over whether the costs, benefits, and harms of such programmes have been evaluated, and they have called for advice from the UK National Screening Committee. In July, Stanford Health Care in the US began using a pooling method for covid-19 (in groups of four to eight), which had previously been used to screen blood donations for the presence of HIV or hepatitis. The group …

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by a novel coronavirus, has already affected over 99 062 people in 53 African countries and killed 3082. The pandemic threatens blood supply but we do not yet know its impact on blood donations or on the perceptions and expectations of donors. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in four hospital-based blood services in Cameroon, using a survey design and focusing on the subjective and cultural aspects of donors. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we collected the participants' responses as to their understanding of COVID-19 and of current protection measures, and their expectations. Data on trends of blood donations were collected retrospectively for the period from 1st January to 30th April 2019 and the same period in 2020. RESULTS: Of 494 donors included, 432 (87·4%) were enrolled from fixed blood collection sites and 62 (12·6%) were contacted by phone. A total of 464 (93·9%) participants believed that the COVID-19 is a lung disease, but some declared it to be imaginary (7·7%), a foreign disease (8·3%) or a blood-borne disease (3·2%). The participants reported that the distribution of face masks and hydroalcoholic solutions (92·5%), social distancing and hygiene (6·3%) are the most important measures that need to be in place for safe donation. The number of blood donations dropped by 21·5% between 2019 and 2020. CONCLUSION: Most of the donors know COVID-19, its transmission routes and manifestations. In the absence of barrier measures, they perceive blood donation as a threat to their health. Distribution of masks and hydroalcoholic solution might motivate more donors and improve the blood supply.

Introduction:in order to improve the safety of blood transfusion, the retention of voluntary donors remains a major concern in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nevertheless, retention is still difficult to assess because of the lack of local studies. The present study establishes the donors' profile and regularity, as well as regularity-associated factors, at the Provincial Blood Transfusion Centre in Bukavu. Methods:this descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study included the records of 387 out of 773 blood donors during the period from 2015 to 2017. Donor retention and its associated factors were measured. The composite approach used here considered the number of blood donations, their frequency, the previous regularity of donors and the inter-donation interval. Results:we bring to light an important loss of regular voluntary donors in the centre. Only 23.8% of them were still regular donors in 2017. The majority of donors registered in the centre are young males and have no income. On the contrary, factors associated with the profile of a regular donor in 2017 were: age at least 46 years old, being a woman and working in the formal sector. The composite classification highlighted that an important proportion of former regular donors, namely 72.8% (N=161/221), had not given blood in 2017. Conclusion:the use of a composite classification to assess the regularity of voluntary blood donors provides more accurate information that will enable the improvement of donors' awareness and retention as well as the possible reinstatement of former donors.

Introdução: Devido à frequente ausência de sintomas em sua fase aguda, a maior parte dos diagnósticos dos casos de hepatites virais é realizada inadvertidamente em doações de sangue ou triagem pré-cirúrgica. Objetivo: Inédito na região Norte Fluminense, o presente estudo definiu a soroprevalência das hepatites B e C entre doadores de sangue do Hemocentro do Hospital Ferreira Machado. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico retrospectivo, realizado por meio de análise de dados dos doadores de sangue do Hemocentro do HFM dos anos de 2004 a 2015. Os marcadores analisados foram anti-HBc e anti-HCV (IgG e total). Resultados: Um total de 86.815 amostras foram analisadas. Destes, 54.585 (62.9%) eram do sexo masculino e 32.230 (37.1%) eram do sexo feminino. A prevalência de anti-HBc positivo foi de 2.86% (2488), sendo a faixa etária de maior prevalência de anti-HBc positivo de 40 a 49 anos (25.76%, p

Importance People who have been infected with or vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 have reduced risk of subsequent infection, but the proportion of people in the US with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from infection or vaccination is uncertain. Objective To estimate trends in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence related to infection and vaccination in the US population. Design, Setting, and Participants In a repeated cross-sectional study conducted each month during July 2020 through May 2021, 17 blood collection organizations with blood donations from all 50 US states; Washington, DC; and Puerto Rico were organized into 66 study-specific regions, representing a catchment of 74% of the US population. For each study region, specimens from a median of approximately 2000 blood donors were selected and tested each month; a total of 1 594 363 specimens were initially selected and tested. The final date of blood donation collection was May 31, 2021. Exposure Calendar time. Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion of persons with detectable SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid antibodies. Seroprevalence was weighted for demographic differences between the blood donor sample and general population. Infection-induced seroprevalence was defined as the prevalence of the population with both spike and nucleocapsid antibodies. Combined infection- and vaccination-induced seroprevalence was defined as the prevalence of the population with spike antibodies. The seroprevalence estimates were compared with cumulative COVID-19 case report incidence rates. Results Among 1 443 519 specimens included, 733 052 (50.8%) were from women, 174 842 (12.1%) were from persons aged 16 to 29 years, 292 258 (20.2%) were from persons aged 65 years and older, 36 654 (2.5%) were from non-Hispanic Black persons, and 88 773 (6.1%) were from Hispanic persons. The overall infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence estimate increased from 3.5% (95% CI, 3.2%-3.8%) in July 2020 to 20.2% (95% CI, 19.9%-20.6%) in May 2021; the combined infection- and vaccination-induced seroprevalence estimate in May 2021 was 83.3% (95% CI, 82.9%-83.7%). By May 2021, 2.1 SARS-CoV-2 infections (95% CI, 2.0-2.1) per reported COVID-19 case were estimated to have occurred. Conclusions and Relevance Based on a sample of blood donations in the US from July 2020 through May 2021, vaccine- and infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence increased over time and varied by age, race and ethnicity, and geographic region. Despite weighting to adjust for demographic differences, these findings from a national sample of blood donors may not be representative of the entire US population.

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência vivenciada por discentes do curso de biomedicina no planejamento e na execução de uma campanha de doação de sangue. Relato de experiência: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo a respeito da vivência dos alunos sobre o desenvolvimento da campanha de doação de sangue “Vem ser doador” realizada entre janeiro e março de 2021. O objetivo foi aumentar o número de doadores, por meio da realização de uma campanha educativa para conscientizar a população a respeito da doação de sangue. Para isso, os alunos produziram materiais educativos e divulgaram nas redes sociais. Esses materiais continham uma breve explicação sobre a importância da doação de sangue e a segurança do processo. A doação de sangue coletiva ocorreu no dia 20 de fevereiro de 2021 em um hemocentro, localizado no Estado do Pará, norte do Brasil. Considerações finais: A campanha contribuiu de forma significativa no aumento quantitativo de doações de sangue e na formação profissional dos discentes ao possibilitar a articulação do conhecimento e a integração ensino-comunidade.

Background and Objectives Universal testing of blood donations for human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) in Australia may no longer be appropriate given the low prevalence of HTLV infection and the mitigating effect of universal leucodepletion for cellular components. This study aimed to determine the most appropriate HTLV testing strategy using the Risk-Based Decision-Making Framework for Blood Safety. Materials and Methods The risk of HTLV transfusion–transmission using three testing strategies (universal, new-donor and no testing) and cost-effectiveness of the first two strategies were assessed using adaptations of published mathematical models. Results The overall prevalence for 2004–2014 was three HTLV-positives per million donations. It was estimated that annually, universal testing incurred a cost of approximately AUD $3 million and prevented 83 HTLV-positive cellular components from being issued, and new-donor testing cost approximately $225 000 and prevented 81 components. The number of cases of transfusion-transmitted HTLV and HTLV-associated disease prevented per year by universal and new-donor testing was essentially equivalent. According to preset risk thresholds, the risk of transfusion–transmission was negligible for universal and new-donor testing, and minimal without testing. Conclusion Transfusion–transmission of HTLV is a minimal risk in Australia even without testing. However, any revision of testing strategy must consider not only risk and cost-effectiveness, but also stakeholder, ethical and regulatory perspectives. Considering all relevant criteria, new-donor testing is judged the optimal strategy because it is able to achieve almost the same outcomes as universal testing, at a fraction of the cost.

Objetivo: Verificar a efetividade das estratégias de marketing social e de acolhimento desenvolvidas em um hemocentro e, antes e após as ações realizadas, verificar a demanda reprimida de sangue e hemocomponentes em um hospital de referência. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo comparativo, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em um hemocentro e no serviço de hemoterapia de um hospital de referência no município de Santa Maria, RS, Brasil, entre setembro e dezembro de 2015. As estratégias compreenderam ação de marketing social, realizada por meio do envio de cartas, e-mails e telefonemas às pessoas em condições de realizar uma nova doação, e o acolhimento, que consistiu em realizar a acolhida do usuário por meio de um álbum seriado. A partir do levantamento de informações do banco de dados, especificamente dos registros de transfusões solicitadas e efetivadas, comparou-se o número de doações efetivadas antes e após as ações ao quantitativo do ano anterior com base na estatística descritiva e teste t de Student. Resultados: O número de doações em geral aumentou, principalmente no último mês em que ocorreram as ações (p=0,0397). Entretanto, a média de doações voluntárias de sangue total apresentou redução, passando de 237 doações/mês, em 2014, para 222 doações/mês, em 2015. A média de doações voluntárias de plaquetas por aférese aumentou de 11 doações/mês, em 2014, para 17 doações/mês, em 2015. Conclusão: As estratégias implementadas no período do estudo contribuíram para o aumento no número de doações de plaquetas por aférese, porém, com relação à doação de sangue total, não houve resultado positivo.

The U.S. ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men was instituted at a time of great uncertainty, but advances in testing and in understanding of disease transmission offer better ways than a sweeping ban to minimize the risk of transfusion-related HIV.

In Japan, the number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infections remains relatively low; nevertheless, the annual incidence of HIV-1 infection has not decreased. New infections remain a great concern, and an improved understanding of epidemiological trends is critical for public health. The env C2V3 and pol sequences of HIV-1 RNA from 240 early (1996-2001) and 223 more recent (2010-2012) blood donations were used to compare the distribution of virus subtypes and to generate phylogenetic trees. Subtype B was clearly predominant in both early and more recent donations (both were 88.3%), and CRF01_AE was the second most common subtype. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a peculiar epidemiological transition. Compared to early subtype B isolates from 2 major endemic areas (Tokyo and Osaka), the more recent subtype B isolates formed fewer tight clusters in phylogenetic trees (from 8 to 2 clusters in Tokyo and 5 to zero clusters in Osaka). Furthermore, mixing of HIV-1 infections between these 2 endemic areas appear to increase. Analysis of phylogenetic trees suggested that local outbreaks have become smaller in Japan; however, intermixing of viral types between these 2 areas was more evident in the more recent samples.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of the literature suggests that changes relating to blood donations and blood component transfusion are occurring due to the aging of the population. OBJECTIVE: To gain better understanding of the demand and supply of these inputs over time, and to identify the main associated demographic characteristics. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review conducted on time series relating to blood donations and blood component transfusions worldwide. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted based on articles that presented time series relating to blood donation or blood component transfusion. RESULTS: We found 1,814 articles. After the deletion process, only thirteen were read. Overall, these suggested that there is increasing demand for blood components and decreasing donation. The existence of seasonality regarding blood donation was pointed out. Men usually donated more blood and demanded more blood components than women. Approximately 50% of blood transfusions were performed in people aged ≥ 60 years. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis on articles that presented time series relating to blood donations and blood component transfusion showed that aging of the population was the main factor associated with the increasing demand for blood and the decreasing supply of blood.

Author(s): Vermeulen, Marion; Sykes, Wendy; Coleman, Charl; Custer, Brian; Jacobs, Genevieve; Jaza, Jabulisile; Kaidarova, Zhanna; Hlela, Carol; Gessain, Antoine; Cassar, Olivier; Poole, Colwyn; Ingram, Charlotte; Murphy, Edward L; Reddy, Ravi | Abstract: Background and objectivesDonated blood is not currently screened for human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) in South Africa. Several small studies have detected HTLV-1 in South Africa, but prevalence by geographic region or population group is unavailable.Materials and methodsWe performed a large seroprevalence study of South African blood donors during 3 months in 2013. All geographic regions except the Western Cape were included, and Black and Coloured (local term for mixed race) donors were oversampled. Identity-unlinked plasma samples were screened with the Abbott Prism HTLV-1/2 assay, and repeatedly reactive samples were tested by the Inno-LIA HTLV-1/2 Score confirmatory assay. Odds ratios were calculated with multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOf 46 752 donors tested, 133 (0·28%) were initially reactive, 111 (0·24%) repeatedly reactive and 57 (0·12%) confirmed positive for HTLV-1; none were HTLV-2 positive. Prevalence was 0·062% weighted to annual blood donations but highly concentrated in the Black population group (OR = 20·24 CI: 2·77-147·88); higher in females than males (OR = 1·81 CI: 1·06-3·08); and in donors aged g50 years compared to ages 16-19 (OR = 6·4 CI: 2·95-13·86). After controlling for age, sex and population group, there was no difference in prevalence between new and repeat blood donors or among geographic regions within South Africa.ConclusionsWe conclude that HTLV-1 infection is widespread among the Black population of South Africa and its epidemiology is similar to other endemic areas. Because South Africa is increasing its recruitment of Black blood donors, the implications for blood screening require further consideration.

Since November 2015, Puerto Rico has reported active mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus. Because of the potential for Zika virus to be transmitted through transfusion of blood components, and because a high percentage of persons infected with Zika virus are asymptomatic, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that blood collections cease in areas of the United States affected by active vector-borne transmission of Zika virus until laboratory screening of blood donations or pathogen reduction technology (PRT) for treatment of blood components can be implemented. To inform efforts to maintain the safety and availability of the blood supply in Puerto Rico, CDC, in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Health, conducted a rapid assessment of blood collection and use on the island. A total of 139,369 allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) units, 45,243 platelet units, and 56,466 plasma units were collected in or imported to Puerto Rico during 2015, and 135,966 allogeneic RBC units, 13,526 therapeutic platelet units, and 25,775 plasma units were transfused. Because of the potential for local Zika virus transmission in areas with a competent mosquito vector, other areas of the United States should develop plans to ensure local blood safety and adequacy. Blood collection organizations and public health agencies should collaborate to maintain the safety and availability of local blood supplies in accordance with FDA guidance.

Due to their extended indications, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) are increasingly used in hospital setting. After injection, classical IVIg half-life reaches more than 3weeks. IVIg result from the pooling of many blood donations and contain all natural antibodies usually found in the general population. Administered antibodies are known to interfere with many diagnostic assays, particularly those used for infectious serology. It is not recommended to perform serological determination after IVIg infusion. It is recommended to keep a delay of at least 4months after IVIg infusion before doing any serological assay; failure to do so will result in misinterpretation of biological findings. Interpretation of any serological test after IVIg administration should be particularly cautious.

Blood transfusion pioneers Blood transfusion has been part of medical treatments for centuries. Physicians performed ‘bloodletting’ to prevent or cure a whole range of illnesses and diseases until they realized blood’s essential role in preserving life. The first human–human blood transfusion reported dates back to 1818. Before that, transfusion attempts using animal blood from various species failed tragic ally. Despite the use of human blood, transfusions were not tolerated by all recipients and fatal reactions were common [1]. This phenomena remained a mystery for many years until the turn of the 20th century when Karl Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood group system. He was the first to provide a scientific basis for donor–recipient compati­ bility. Many discoveries that followed brought change to the practice of transfusion medicine. Albert Hustin was the first to add citrate to avoid blood coagulation during sampling in 1916. This simple solution stopped the need for arm–arm transfusion, which saved thou­ sands of soldiers during World War I and this advance led to the creation of the first blood­ collecting center by Arnault Tzanck (Paris, France in 1928). For all those years, blood transfusion improved the quality of life with thanks to ABO typing, which greatly reduced serious adverse reactions. However, incompatibility still remained a problem for a small portion of recipients until 1940, when Karl Landsteiner and Alexander Wiener made one more impor­ tant discovery – the RhD antigen, named after the Rhesus monkeys they used for their experi­ ments. From then onwards, blood transfusion became safe for everyone. Since these pioneers’ work, the practice of blood transfusion has evolved. The International Society of Blood Transfusion (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) recognizes 30 blood groups com­ prising over 300 antigens. Blood components are now separated to fulfill specific medical needs, automated apparatus to collect these products are used and all blood donations are tested for transmissible diseases.

Over 36,000 units of blood are transfused every day in the US. With nearly 40% of the population eligible to donate, we may frequently treat potential blood donors. We reviewed the American Red Cross and World Health Organization's restrictions on blood donation. Multiple drugs used, and diseases treated in dermatology, are associated with blood donation restrictions. Understanding these restrictions may help us better educate our patients.

We read with interest the report of a small Babesia microti -like species in an asymptomatic border collie presented for routine pre-export blood tests before travel to New Zealand.1 Over the last 12 months, the Pet Blood Bank UK has identified Babesia microti -like organisms (also known as Babesia vulpes and …

Objectives: To determine characteristics of laboratory parameters of hematopoietic potential in umbilical cord blood and their association with maternal and neonatal factors. Methods: This prospective analysis was performed on 206 umbilical cord blood donations (50-200 ml) from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between January and September 2014. Samples were processed and analyzed for total nucleated cells (TNC’s), cluster designation (CD)45 + , CD34 + counts, nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) count, and viability testing. Results: Most of the study participants (63.6%) were on their first 3 deliveries and from women with age between 17 and 30 years (80.6%). The donated volume was 50.4-192.4 ml, TNCs ranged from 500.2×10 6 to 9430.3 ×10 6 cells, and CD34 + cells ranged from 1.25×10 6 to 12.82×10 6 /unit. The volume was positively affected by bigger birth weight of the baby ( p less than 0.0001), larger placenta ( p =0.001), TNCs ( p less than 0.0001), CD34 + ( p less than 0.0001), NRBCs ( p less than 0.0001), and viability ( p =0.002). There were no statistically significant differences between baby boys and girls for laboratory variables. Conclusion: In the selection and identification of a possible donor of umbilical cord blood, several maternal and neonatal factors should be considered, as younger maternal age, neonatal birth weight greater than 3300 grams, larger placental size, and first or second-born babies, were shown to be associated with higher TNCs, CD34 + , CD45 + , NRBCs, and viability. Saudi Med J 2015; Vol. 36 (6): 704-712 doi: 10.15537/smj.2015.6.11247

Hepatitis E virus (VHE) is a RNA, non-enveloped, enterically transmitted virus. VHE is present all around the world, with different distribution of its genotypes. VHE of genotypes 1 and 2 predominate in Asia, Africa and in Mexico, responsible for outbreaks transmitted through contaminated water, with an increased mortality in pregnant women. Genotype 3 VHE are globally distributed, with an animal reservoir (swine mainly) endemic in high-income countries. They are transmitted by the ingestion of raw or poorly cooked meat, and possibly by other routes (water, molluscs?) not yet firmly established. Rare post-transfusion hepatitis E cases have been reported. The prevalence of viremic blood donations is around 5 to 10,000 in Europe and in France. Screening tests and/or alternative strategies for viral elimination could be implemented soon.

This paper aims at identifying challenges in blood supply chain management and mentioning management strategies in improving the blood supply services (BSS), starting with blood donations and ending with transfusion of needed blood components to patients. Management strategies like optimal scheduling, a web based information system and a short-term forecasting mechanism for inventory check are required to focus on tackling blood donors with. In the present study, We used past literature in identifying the research questions and challenges in blood supply chain from donors to patients. In general focusing on blood supply, a general management framework is prepared to efficiently manage the blood supply chain.

Introduction: Blood donation should be voluntary, anonymous and altruistic, and the donor should not, directly or indirectly, receive any remuneration or benefit by virtue of donating blood. Like any other therapeutic method, transfusion procedures are not risk free and can expose the patient to a several complications. Serological screening is of great importance to ensure transfusion safety. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of serological ineligibility among blood donors from a Hemotherapy Center in Caxias do Sul (RS). Method: An exploratory, descriptive and quantitative study was conducted on data from July 2010 to December 2015 collected at a Hemotherapy Center in Caxias do Sul (RS). Results: During the study period, 14,267 blood donors attended the Hemotherapy Center, of which 9,332 (65.40%) were males and 4,935 (34.60%) were female. Considering only the suitable donors, 12,702 blood donations were performed, 144 (1.13%) presented positive serological tests. The most prevalent positive serology was for hepatitis B (anti-HBc) with 98 cases (0.77%), followed by syphilis with 19 cases (0.15%); Chagas disease, with 10 (0.08%); hepatitis C, with nine (0.07%); and HIV and HTLV, with four (0.03%) reactive samples each. Conclusion: The results presented are important for health surveillance and make it possible to take measures to ensure safe blood stocks. Keywords: Serology, blood donors, communicable diseases.

Since July 2016 in France, blood donations from men who have had sex with men (MSM) in the previous year have been banned. To evaluate a shorter waiting period, data are being collected on retesting MSM who have had sex with only one partner in the previous 4 months.

Background: Annually, India meets only half of its blood requirement and half of it from unsafeblood donors. There is a need to increase blood donations from safe and voluntary blood donors. Recruitment and retainment of voluntary blood donors are key challenges for blood agencies. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of mass counseling in the creation of voluntary blood donor. Subjects and Methods: Interventional study with intervention of mass counseling of relatives of patients admitted in the wards of Tertiary Care Hospital attached to medical college in Pune. It was carried out during 1st May 2010 to 31st May 2010. 110 relatives were randomly selected for the study. Mass counseling of cases regarding voluntary blood donation was carried out by trained persons. Pre‑counseling and post‑counseling knowledge, attitude, and behavior (KAB) scores regarding blood donation were assessed using a pre‑tested semi‑structured questionnaire. Results: Counseling improved knowledge, attitude and behavior score (KAB) regarding blood donation significantly. Pre‑counseling and post‑counseling KAB scores difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and was not merely by chance. Counseling helped to improve behavior of cases regarding blood donation, too. Conclusion: Continuous counseling sessions for blood donation may serve the purpose for institutes dealing with a large number of people every‑day. Establishment of mobile counseling units by blood banks may help to create a voluntary blood donor. Changes in motivation and the development of self‑identity as a blood donor are needed to retain voluntary blood donors. Incentive's offered for voluntary blood donation card should be strengthened.Keywords: Africa, Blood donation, Counseling, Voluntary blood donor

Of the approximately 14 million blood donations performed every year in the US, it is estimated that as many as 140000 donations each year are unknowingly from sickle cell trait (HbAS)2 donors (1). Organizations like the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and WHO have produced guidelines to help standardize the general assessment of donor suitability that would protect the blood donor as well as the recipient of the blood transfusion (2, 3). Through these recommendations, donor acceptance and deferral criteria are based on a medical history questionnaire, limited physical …

Aim. To evaluate features of the evolution of blood donation in Kazakhstan, including motivation and types of donations.Methods. Statistical data of blood donations in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2010-2014 were studied.Results. In 2014, 51.8% of all blood donations in Kazakhstan were done by voluntary donors, 35.5% - by recipient’s relatives. The median proportion of paid donations in 2012-2014 years dropped by twice: 15.3; 10.5 and 7.6%, respectively. The number of platelet donations in 2010-2014 years increased by 717.3, of which 77% came from the cities of Astana and Almaty, where high-tech medical care is mainly provided. The number of plasma donations in 2014 compared to 2010 year has decreased by 35.7%, while its share in total number of donations dropped by 40.2%. Preparations are underway to contract plasma fractionation, becomes an actual the problem of determining blood donor reserves for plasma donations.Conclusion. Voluntary blood donations (51.8%) prevail in Republic of Kazakhstan; the the number of platelet donations increased by 717.3% in 2010-2014, the number of plasma donations dropped by 40.2%, which reveals the potential for implementing contract fractionation.

Introduction/Objectives: Monitoring the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted viral infections is important to evaluate the improvement achieved in the blood donation safety and to adopt policies to reduce risks. The present study calculates the incidence of the key infectious diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) as well as the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted viral infections, during twelve years, 1999 through 2010. Data were analyzed over 3 periods of 4 years (1999-2002, 2003-2006 and 2007-2010). The risk estimates were compared to those previously obtained for blood donations occurred between 1991 and 1998. Material and Methods: The study included 209 640 blood donations, from 42 634 regular, volunteers and unpaid donors. The residual risk of transfusion-transmitted infection per million donations was calculated, for each virus, through mathematical model “Incidence rate/window period”, described by Schreiber et al. All donations were screened according to Portuguese legislation. In January 2001, the nucleic acid testing in minipool was implemented on all blood donations, for screening simultaneously HIV-1 and HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) (Cobas Amplicor Ampliscreen-Roche©). This test was replaced, in January 2007, by the simultaneous screening of HBV deoxyribonucleic acid, HCV RNA and HIV-1/HIV-2 RNA, in minipool (Cobas Taqscreen MPX Test-Roche©). Results: The residual risk of transmitting viral infections during the transfusion of blood components is very small and has declined over the years. After the implementation of the nucleic acid testing in minipool for the three viruses, the risk of giving blood during an infectious window period was estimated as follows: for human immunodeficiency virus, 1 in 1.67 million, for hepatitis C virus 1 in 3.33 million and for hepatitis B virus 1 in 526 000. Conclusions: During the 12 years under study, we found a decrease in residual risk for the three viruses, by a factor around five for human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus, and 32 for hepatitis C virus. If we compare the estimates previously calculated for 1991-1998 period to 2007-2010 period (over 20 years), the decrease is still more relevant with a residual risk of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus respectively 19-fold, 6-fold and 54-fold lower.

Background and Objectives Repeated isometric muscle tension (applied tension) during blood donation reduces vasovagal symptoms in many donors. Experiencing vasovagal symptoms has been found to reduce blood donor return. However, does practicing applied tension improve blood donor return? Follow-up results from a randomized controlled trial are presented. Methods Data were collected in mobile clinics held in several colleges and universities. During the baseline donation, participants either (1) practiced ‘standard’ applied tension consisting of repeated 5 s cycles of whole-body isometric muscle tension in the donation chair (N = 133), (2) practiced tension with legs crossed (N = 131), or (3) gave blood as usual (N = 140). Subsequent blood donations in the following 2 years were determined. Results Applied tension had no effect on immediate (at the end of the baseline blood donation) rating of intention to give blood or the dichotomous measure of whether or not the participant gave blood again in the following 2 years. However, men asked to practice applied tension with legs crossed gave approximately one unit more during the follow-up period compared with men in the control group (F1,106 = 5·32, P = 0·023). This was associated significantly with adherence – men assigned to the applied tension with legs crossed condition who did not practice as instructed were no more likely to return than controls. Conclusion The results provide modest support for the idea that applied tension may increase subsequent blood donation though the results were limited to men who practiced the technique as instructed.

The risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV infection under (i) permanent exclusion and (ii) 12-month deferral of MSM in England and Wales during 2005-2007 was estimated. Assuming equal compliance with both scenarios, estimated risk under a 12-month deferral (0.228/million donations [range 0·168-0·306/million donations]) was only marginally greater (0·5%) than that under lifetime exclusion (0·227/million donations [range 0·157-0.318/million donations]), with one extra-HIV infectious donation every 455 years. Poorer compliance of MSM with a 12-month deferral would be expected to increase the estimated risk, whereas improved compliance could decrease risk by up to 29·1%.

A better quality of life and the perspective of a long, productive life are factors that can contribute to maintaining the stocks of blood products. The aim of this study is to evaluate the blood donation of the elderly at a private haemotherapy service. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive investigation conducted at a private haemotherapy service in Natal/RN, Brazil, during July and September 2015 with a sample of 86 elderly individuals. All the elderly individuals donated blood to meet the needs of one patient. Most of the donors were retirees, with a high level of schooling, married and residing near the site of the donation. New blood donations were difficult to obtain, which was attributed to communication via telemarketing and personal comorbidities. The low number of elderly donors can be attributed to misinformation as to the current maximum age limit for donations, comorbidities and the communication/marketing strategy used to attract participants.

Summary Population aging has imposed cost-effective alternatives to blood donations. Artificial blood is still at the preliminary stages of development, and the need for viable cells seems unsurmountable. Because large numbers of viable cells must be promptly available for clinical use, stem cell technologies, expansion, and banking represent ideal tools to ensure a regular supply. Provided key donors can be identified, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology could pave the way to a new era in transfusion medicine, just as it is already doing in many other fields of medicine. The present review summarizes the current state of research on iPSC technology in the field of blood banking, highlighting hurdles, and promises. Significance The aging population in Western countries is causing a progressive reduction of blood donors and a constant increase of blood recipients. Because blood is the main therapeutic option to treat acute hemorrhage, cost-effective alternatives to blood donations are being actively investigated. The enormous replication capability of induced pluripotent stem cells and their promising results in many other fields of medicine could be an apt solution to produce the large numbers of viable cells required in transfusion and usher in a new era in transfusion medicine. The present report describes the potentiality, technological hurdles, and promises of induced pluripotent stem cells to generate red blood cells by redifferentiation.

Background The low, fluctuating levels of DNA characteristic of occult hepatitis B infection make its detection by nucleic acid testing (NAT) a challenge. Methods Four year’s routine use of the Ultrio and Ultrio Plus assays in blood donations in New Zealand was analysed. Results 0·09% of donations tested with Ultrio and Ultrio Plus assays showed reactivity in the multiplex assay, but non-reactivity in all three discriminatory assays and relevant mandatory serological assays (anti-HIV, anti-HCV, HBsAg). These donations were more likely to be anti-HBc reactive (Ultrio, 13%; Ultrio Plus, 57%; random donors, 6·8%). Thirty-four per cent of these anti-HBc-reactive donations were also reactive in either an alternate NAT assay or on repeat multiplex testing. Thirteen per cent of the donors of the discriminatory-negative, anti-HBc-reactive donations who had given other Ultrio- or Ultrio Plus-tested donations had at least one other multiplex reactive donation. Conclusion These findings suggest that their HBV DNA levels are around the assay’s limit of detection, that false reactivity cannot be presumed when a donor fails to discriminate and that caution should be applied when deciding whether to continue accepting donations from such donors.

International survey on NAT testing of blood donations : expanding implementation and yield from 1999 to 2009.

Background : Nationally, minorities are underrepresented in community blood donation programs. The reason for this disparity is poorly understood. To better understand why minorities do not donate, first, accurate blood donor and donation data are needed. Methods : Donor and donation demographic data were collected for 2004–2007 from a single blood collection agency in the Atlanta, Georgia, metropolitan area. Population data from the same area were acquired from the US Census. Donor and donation rates per 1000 population were calculated by race/ethnicity, gender, and age. Results : Of the 389340 blood donations reported by donors aged 16 to 69 years (98.7% of all donations), the collections were from white (77.7%), African American (16.3%), Hispanic (2.3%), Asian (2.2%), and other (1.6%) donors. Forty- to 49-year-olds (26.8%) donated the highest percentage of units. The blood donor rates were 11 perl 000 population for whites, 6 per 1000 for African Americans and 3 per 1000 population for Hispanics. The blood donation rates were 77 donations per 1000 population for whites, 22 per 1000 population for African Americans and 10 per 1000 population for Hispanics. Conclusion : Minorities are underrepresented in the blood donor pool. New recruitment strategies are needed to increase minority blood donor and donation rates.

Background and Objectives Plasma derivatives and blood components with low levels of parvovirus B19 (B19) seem not infectious, but recently infected, highly viraemic donors may transmit B19. We studied the incidence of high-level B19 viraemia (B19 DNA > 106 IU/ml) in 6·5 million Dutch blood donations. Materials and Methods Between 2003 and 2009, all Dutch blood and plasma donations were screened for the presence of B19 DNA, via pools of 480. Reactive pools were resolved and demographic parameters were obtained for all donors with B19 viraemia > 106 IU/ml. In a subset, IgG and IgM antibodies to B19 were determined. Results Four hundred and eleven donations (1/15815) were identified with B19 DNA levels above 106 IU/ml, predominantly (83%) occurring in donors aged 18–47 years. Each year infection rates were elevated between December and July, with April accounting for 16% of infections. The years 2004 and 2009 were epidemic, with up to 1/4880 highly viraemic donations in May 2004. In a subset of 67 viraemic donations, 47/67 (70%) tested negative for IgG and IgM antibodies to B19; 16/67 (24%) showed isolated IgM and 4/67 (6%) contained IgG and IgM antibodies. The seasonal pattern of asymptomatic B19 infection in blood donors followed the notification rate of clinical cases. Geographically, B19 infection was randomly spread over the Netherlands. Conclusions In epidemic seasons, blood donations with high levels of parvovirus, without concurrent antibodies, are common. They may infect immunocompromised and parvovirus-naive recipients. The feasibility of preventive measures should be studied.

Background and Objectives Blood donor enrolment process is frequently based on the sole capillary haemoglobin (Hb) evaluation while platelet donors by apheresis also requires platelet (Plt) count. The ‘sole Hb’ approach prevents a complete donor evaluation and does not allow Plt donor enrolment. To extend blood counts before donations, we evaluated the performances of a multiparametric counter using capillary blood. Materials and Methods The ABX Micros 60 (Micros 60) blood analyzer was employed on capillary blood and compared with venous counts by a reference counter (Coulter AcT 5diff) in a first series of 416 donors and in a second series of 136, after a 3-month period of routine use of this study counter. An average of 50 μl of capillary blood was collected whose 10 μl had been aspirated by Micros 60. Results High correlations were found between capillary counts using Micros 60 and venous counts using the reference counter. Mean Plt counts differed of 37 × 109/l less for capillary approach in the first series of comparisons, but decreased to 10 × 109/l less in the second series due to a greater expertise of operators in capillary sampling. All other parameters were accurate and never reached clinical relevance albeit they showed statistically significant differences. Conclusion Data on Micros 60 demonstrated that capillary predonation counts may represent a feasible and effective approach to realize an accurate enrolment process of blood and Plt donors.