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Background: Despite saving a vast number of lives through blood transfusions, transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) still threaten the lives of people needing blood transfusion. Hence, screening blood donors and reviewing the prevalence of TTIs amongst blood donors might show the impact of these infections among our people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence rates of transfusion-transmitted infections among blood donors in Makkah as foundation for providing harmless blood transfusion in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out at the Central Blood Bank in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia, from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. A total of 13,706 samples were collected and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibodies (HBsAbs), hepatitis B core antibodies (HBcAbs), antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), antibodies to HIV 1 and 2 (HIV I/II Ab), antibodies to HTLV 1 and 2 (HTLV I/II Ab), Malarial antibodies, and antibodies to VDRL. Results: A total of 13,706 blood units were received and tested. Out of the total, 52% were non-Saudi donors and 47.9% were Saudi donors; 28.4% were aged 18 - 28 years, 42.8% were aged 29 - 39 years, 24.4% were aged 40 - 50 years, and 4.4% were aged 51 - 60 years. The majority was O+ blood group (42.7%), followed by A+ (26.2%), B+ (18.7%), AB+ (4.6%), O- (3.8%), A- (2.1%), B- (1.5%), and AB- (0.4%). While 42.6% of the blood units donated were from voluntary donors, 57.4% were donated by replacement donors. Sixty-one samples (0.4%) tested positive for HBsAg, 824 samples (6%) for HBcAb, 43 samples (0.3%) for HCV antibodies, 754 samples (5.5%) for HBsAb, and 44 samples (0.3%) for HIV I/II Ag/Ab combinations. Further, 44 samples (0.3%) were positive for HTLV I/II antibodies, 83 samples (0.6%) for VDRL antibodies, and only 3 samples (nearly 0%) for malaria antibodies. Forty-three samples (0.3%) were positive for NAT-HBV, 7 samples (0.1%) were positive for NAT-HCV, and 6 samples (0.1%) were positive for NAT-HIV. The analysis revealed a statistically significant and strong correlation between HBsAgs and NAT-HBV (r = 0.819, p < 0.0001). In contrast, while there was a statistically significant association between HBsAgs and HBcAbs, the correlation was weak (r = 0.191, p < 0.0001). Additionally, there was an association between HBsAbs and HBsAgs, but the Spearman correlation indicated a very weak relationship (r = 0.042, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Prevalence rates of transfusion-transmitted infections showed a steady decline in 2023, and these rates were much lower in Makkah than in other parts of the country or in neighboring countries. The importance of using NAT in the screening of blood donors was indicated in this study. These findings could contribute to improving the understanding of TTIs epidemiology and supporting health authorities in controlling blood-borne pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusion An extra health screening, including glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), was initiated for regular donors aged over 40 in Taiwan in November 2015. This study aimed to determine its benefits on donor health management and retention.A stratified random mail survey was conducted among donors who received HbA1c, TC and LDL‐C screening between November 2015 and June 2017 to investigate their awareness of the screening, medical histories and post‐screening behaviours. Their subsequent screening results and donation records from 3 years before and after the initial screening were obtained up to December 2021.In total, 2070 donors participated in the mail survey, with participation rates ranging 15.7%–23.2% across study groups. The screening newly detected hyperglycaemia in 1.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2%–2.0%) and hyperlipidaemia in 1.0% (95% CI: 0.7%–1.4%) of participants, with 42.7% (95% CI: 40.3%–45.2%) of participants unaware of the screening. Participants with initially abnormal or borderline TC or LDL‐C results showed significant decreases in the subsequent screening (all p values<0.05). No difference was found in participants' awareness of the screening. However, those who sought medical consultation or made specific lifestyle changes tended to show greater improvements. Awareness of the screening was associated with increased whole blood donations and donated units.The extra health screening has limited benefits for donor health management without additional interventions, but it may motivate donors to donate more frequently. Raising donors' awareness of the screening is also crucial to maximize its benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently in Australia, men are deferred from donating blood if they have had sex with another man within the past 3 months. However, a proposed gender‐neutral assessment (GNA) process will ask all donors questions about sex with new or multiple recent partners, with deferral based on responses to a question about anal sex. Understanding the acceptability of such questions among existing and potential blood donors is paramount for successful implementation of GNA. Study Design and Methods: We used data from a nationally representative survey to estimate the levels of comfort with the proposed GNA questions among the Australian population and subgroups, defined by self‐reported ethnicity and religion. Respondents were aged over 18 and living in Australia. Results were weighted to represent the population. Results: Most of the 5178 respondents described themselves as comfortable with answering questions about new partners (73.1%) or anal sex (64.0%) to donate blood. However, 2.2% and 4.5% indicated that questions about new sex partners and anal sex, respectively, would stop them from donating, and 4.4% and 7.7% respectively, said they were "completely uncomfortable." By religion, the least comfortable were Muslim or Eastern Orthodox respondents, and by country of birth, the least comfortable were those born in the Middle East, followed by those born in Southern Europe and Asia. Discussion: GNA appears to be broadly acceptable in the Australian context, but our findings suggest that key GNA questions are less acceptable in some population subgroups, indicating a need for targeted campaigns that consider cultural sensitivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with numerous national and international criteria, screening donated blood for abnormal antibodies against red cell antigens is crucial for patient safety. Antibodies can be formed by three mechanisms: by immune responses, naturally occurring, or passively acquired. In accordance with departmental policy, ICT was performed on a 30-yearold male blood donor's sample in addition to ABO Rh grouping. He tested A Rh Dnegative and had a positive ICT (+ 2). Anti-D was identified by using the antibody screening and identification panel. Retesting revealed similar results, so we called the donor. We were unable to find a source for the Rh isoimmunization during the course of his history. On further work-up, we found that antibodies reacted only in the antiglobulin phase with no reaction in the saline phase, suggesting an IgG type of antibody. Also, the anti-D titers (IgG) of the donor were up to 1:32. All potential sources of Rh isoimmunization have been ruled out for a male donor. Therefore, we assume that this donor has naturally occurring anti-D, perhaps created by certain environmental factors, bacteria, or components of the COVID vaccine that have cross-reactivity with the D antigen. This instance emphasizes how crucial the ICT test on the donor blood is. In our case, all potential causes of alloimmunization were ruled out, leaving only exposure to antigens with antigenic similarity to D antigens as a viable explanation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusion Several studies have suggested that blood donors have lower risk of gastrointestinal and breast cancers, whereas some have indicated an increased risk of haematological cancers. We examined these associations by appropriately adjusting the ‘healthy donor effect’ (HDE).We examined the risk of gastrointestinal/colorectal, breast and haematological cancers in regular high‐frequency whole blood (WB) donors using the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study data linked with blood donation and other health‐related data. We calculated 5‐year cancer risks, risk differences and risk ratios. To mitigate HDE, we used 5‐year qualification period to select the exposure groups, and applied statistical adjustments using inverse probability weighting, along with other advanced doubly robust g‐methods.We identified 2867 (42.4%) as regular high‐frequency and 3888 (57.6%) as low‐frequency donors. The inverse probability weighted 5‐year risk difference between high and low‐frequency donors for gastrointestinal/colorectal cancer was 0.2% (95% CI, −0.1% to 0.5%) with a risk ratio of 1.25 (0.83–1.68). For breast cancer, the risk difference was −0.2% (−0.9% to 0.4%), with a risk ratio of 0.87 (0.48–1.26). Regarding haematological cancers, the risk difference was 0.0% (−0.3% to 0.5%) with a risk ratio of 0.97 (0.55–1.40). Our doubly robust estimators targeted minimum loss‐based estimator (TMLE) and sequentially doubly robust (SDR) estimator, yielded similar results, but none of the findings were statistically significant.After applying methods to mitigate the HDE, we did not find any statistically significant differences in the risk of gastrointestinal/colorectal, breast and haematological cancers between regular high‐frequency and low‐frequency WB donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blood transfusion services play a very key role in modern health care service delivery. About 118.5 million blood donations were collected globally in 2022. However, about 1.6 million units of blood are destroyed annually due to transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). There is a very high risk of TTIs through donated blood to recipients if safe transfusion practices are not observed. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with TTIs among blood donors in Arua regional blood bank, Uganda. Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional design that involved a review of a random sample of 1370 blood donors registered between January 1st, 2018 and December 31st, 2019 at Arua regional blood bank, Uganda. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the blood donors. The binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with TTIs. Results: The majority of the blood donors were male (80.1%), and the median donor age was 23 years (IQR = 8 years). The overall prevalence of TTIs was found to be 13.8% (95%CI: 12.0-15.6%), with specific prevalences of 1.9% for HIV, 4.1% for HBV, 6.6% for HCV and 2.8% for treponema pallidum. Male sex (AOR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.32–3.36, p-value = 0.002) and lapsed donor type compared to new donor type (AOR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.13–0.87, p-value = 0.025) were found to be associated with TTIs. Conclusion: The prevalence of TTIs among blood donors of West Nile region, Uganda was found to be significantly high, which implies a high burden of TTIs in the general population. Hence, there is need to implement a more stringent donor screening process to ensure selection of risk-free donors, with extra emphasis on male and new blood donors. Additionally, sensitization of blood donors on risky behaviors and self-deferral will reduce the risk of donating infected blood to the recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A core component of every blood program is the supply of safe blood and blood products. The elevated risk of transmission through these products is due to parvovirus B19 (B19V) resistance to the virus inactivation procedures. Our study aimed to screen asymptomatic blood donors for B19V at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, between September 2020 and June 2021. Sera from 106 healthy blood donors who tested negative for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis, and malaria were tested for anti-B19V IgM and IgG using a qualitative indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the study population, 23.5% (n = 25) of donors tested IgM positive, 38.6% (n = 41) tested IgG positive, and 7.5% (n = 8) tested positive for both IgM and IgG. A proportion of 61.3% (n = 65) of the blood donors tested IgG negative, suggesting they had no past B19V infection. B19V DNA was not detected in any of the subjects. The high seroprevalence of IgM indicates that blood donors may have been recently exposed to B19V, potentially posing a risk to immunocompromised individuals and those with hematological stress. Further longitudinal studies with a larger sample size are recommended to better understand the risk of B19V transfusion transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the status of occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) among blood donors in Panyu District of Guangzhou, so as to provide reference for blood transfusion safety. Methods From January 1, 2021 to July 31, 2023, 60 872 blood donors in Panyu District with HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ were screened as OBI subjects. The age, gender and frequency of blood donation of OBI donors were statistically analyzed. HBV DNA viral load was detected and hepatitis B five-panel test was performed. Results The HBsAg-/HBV DNA+positive rate of blood donors in Panyu District was 0.08% (50/60 872). The OBI positive rate of male blood donors was higher than that of female blood donors, with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05). The OBI positive rate of blood donors increased with age, with statistically significant difference(P

HIV infection and transmission is a serious threat to people's health and public health security. Antiretroviral therapy (ART), including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), has played a huge role in controlling AIDS and curbing HIV transmission. However, the production and detection of HIV screening test markers may be affected because of the decrease of plasma viral loads and antigen levels in HIV-infected individuals after ART. It has been found that blood donors are receiving ART, and there is an increasing trend of it amongst blood donor population at home and abroad. Therefore, the uncertainty and risk of HIV screening of blood donors are increasing. In this case, blood collection and supply institutions should attach great importance to it, and take relevant studies and explore scientific and reasonable countermeasures actively.

Background: Leptospirosis is among transfusion transmissible infections but is not screened routinely among blood donors and is endemic in Southern India. The presence of carrier state and the donors being asymptomatic may lead to transfusion transmission in the absence of screening. We aimed to study the prevalence of leptospirosis among blood donors and to assess the need to implement screening strategies for its detection. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among blood donors using Purposive sampling to select donors for the study. The samples collected for routine transfusion transmissible infections screening were used to screen for Ig M antibodies to leptospira infection by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Samples that were reactive twice were true positive. These donors were contacted telephonically to enquire if they developed any symptoms of the infection. Results: A total of 3576 came for blood donation during the study period of which 124 participated in the study. Among the 124 donors screened, a total of seven samples (5.64%) samples were found to be reactive for IgM Leptospira antibodies. The mean age of the donors that were found to be reactive was 27.5 years (SD: 3.15, Range: 20-45 years) with a male to female ratio of 6:1. All these donors were asymptomatic before or after seven days and 2 weeks of blood donation. Conclusion: Approximately six out of 100 donors screened were positive for IgM antibodies of Leptospira without any symptoms. As there is a risk of transmission via blood transfusion, regular screening may be needed at least in areas of high prevalence.

Abstract Background Blood transfusion services play a very key role in modern health care service delivery. About 118.5 million blood donations were collected globally in 2022. However, about 1.6 million units of blood are destroyed annually due to transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). There is a very high risk of TTIs through donated blood to recipients if safe transfusion practices are not observed. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with TTIs among blood donors in Arua regional blood bank, Uganda. Methods This study was a retrospective cross-sectional design that involved a review of a random sample of 1370 blood donors registered between January 1st, 2018 and December 31st, 2019 at Arua regional blood bank, Uganda. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the blood donors. The binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with TTIs. Results The majority of the blood donors were male (80.1%), and the median donor age was 23 years (IQR = 8 years). The overall prevalence of TTIs was found to be 13.8% (95%CI: 12.0-15.6%), with specific prevalences of 1.9% for HIV, 4.1% for HBV, 6.6% for HCV and 2.8% for treponema pallidum. Male sex (AOR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.32–3.36, p-value = 0.002) and lapsed donor type compared to new donor type (AOR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.13–0.87, p-value = 0.025) were found to be associated with TTIs. Conclusion The prevalence of TTIs among blood donors of West Nile region, Uganda was found to be significantly high, which implies a high burden of TTIs in the general population. Hence, there is need to implement a more stringent donor screening process to ensure selection of risk-free donors, with extra emphasis on male and new blood donors. Additionally, sensitization of blood donors on risky behaviors and self-deferral will reduce the risk of donating infected blood to the recipients.

Abstract A core component of every blood program is the supply of safe blood and blood products. The elevated risk of transmission through these products is due to parvovirus B19 (B19V) resistance to the virus inactivation procedures. Our study aimed to screen asymptomatic blood donors for B19V at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, between September 2020 and June 2021. Sera from 106 healthy blood donors who tested negative for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis, and malaria were tested for anti-B19V IgM and IgG using a qualitative indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the study population, 23.5% (n = 25) of donors tested IgM positive, 38.6% (n = 41) tested IgG positive, and 7.5% (n = 8) tested positive for both IgM and IgG. A proportion of 61.3% (n = 65) of the blood donors tested IgG negative, suggesting they had no past B19V infection. B19V DNA was not detected in any of the subjects. The high seroprevalence of IgM indicates that blood donors may have been recently exposed to B19V, potentially posing a risk to immunocompromised individuals and those with hematological stress. Further longitudinal studies with a larger sample size are recommended to better understand the risk of B19V transfusion transmission.

Background: In recent years, the field of transfusion medicine for dogs has advanced significantly, becoming a crucial aspect of veterinary clinical practice. Nowadays, blood still remains a fundamental biological source and the welfare and health status of eligible species-specific blood donors are essential for veterinary transfusion medicine. Aim: This study focused on evaluating two shelters in Central Italy (Marche region), located in Tolentino (TS) and in Camerino (CS), in order to assess the potential of the shelter dogs as canine blood donors. Methods: We evaluated a total of 45 dogs from these shelters based on physical (age and size), clinical, behavioural, and blood analysis criteria described in the Italian Ministerial Guideline for Veterinary Transfusion Medicine (2016). Results: At the TS shelter, out of 206 resident dogs, 125 met the donation criteria (60.68%), with 28 (13.59%) selected for the study due to the impossibility to collect the samplings or other exclusion causes. In the CS shelter, of the 149 dogs, 17 (11.41%) were identified as potential blood donors and included in the study. Among these, seven dogs (25%) from TS and five dogs (29.41%) from CS were found to have DEA1 negative blood group. High percentages (TS = 25.24%, CS = 40.27%) of dogs were excluded for seniority and 29.53% in CS for behavioural issues. Notable f indings included reduced erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume [mean TS = 63.93 fl; CS = 64.00 fl] and Reticulocyte Hemoglobin [mean TS = 22.39 pg; CS = 21.38 pg]. Additionally, in both shelters' dogs showed a modest increase in eosinophils levels [mean TS = 1.59 K/μl; CS = 1.02 K/μl]. Conclusion: Shelter dogs can fulfill the blood donation requirements set by the Italian Ministerial Guideline on Veterinary Transfusion Medicine. They are generally in good health and present a low risk of transmitting parasitic diseases; however, many are ineligible for donation due to behavioural pathologies or temperament issues and seniority. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(8.000): 1779-1788]

Objective To analyze the infectious indicators, HBV s gene mutations and changes in bioinformatics characteristics of HBV DNA+ /HBsAg- blood donor. Methods A sample of HBV DNA+ /HBsAg- was screened by PCR method, and HBsAg/HBsAb/HBeAg/HBeAb/HBcAb of HBV in the sample were detected by ELISA and chemiluminescence methods. The mutation of the HBVs gene fragment in the sample was sequenced and analyzed, and the bioinformatics analysis was performed using analysis software. Results The sample showed HBV DNA+, HBsAg-, HBsAb+, HBeAg+, HBeAb- and HBcAb+, with an amino acid unit point mutation (P151L) occurred in the HBV s gene, and the spatial structure changed. Conclusion The spatial structural changes in the gene sequence of HBVs may be the reason for the appearance of serological HBsAg-/HBsAb+ /HBV DNA+ in the test results.

Objective To study the distribution and trend of HIV-1 drug resistance mutation in Dalian blood donors between 2011 and 2020. Methods The protease-reverse transcriptase (PR-RT) region was sequenced in Dalian blood donors tested HIV-1 positive between 2011 and 2020. Drug resistance mutation (DRM) rate and level of resistance to selected drugs were analyzed by the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. Results DRM were detected in 17.2% (30/174) of samples, while transmitted drug resistance (TDR) was 5.7% (10/174). Between 2011 and 2020, DRM and TDR rates increased significantly in 2019 and reached their highest levels in 2020 (44.4% and 22.2%, respectively). DRM carriage was associated with people with college degree or above and with local residents (P

Objective Background Methods Results Conclusions To propose a rational basis for donor testing in cases of suspected antibody‐mediated transfusion‐related lung injury (AMT).Anti‐leukocyte antibodies in donated blood are established causes of transfusion‐related lung injury (TRALI). However, the question of whether to test donors for antibodies is not identical to whether the case meets definition criteria for TRALI. There is a balance between the potential benefits of testing and the costs of donor deferral and investigation. We propose that a decision‐making process based on optimising the balance between risk and benefit requires a subjective choice of the relative value of different outcomes of testing.We have developed a formal decision model to illustrate how these choices affect testing decisions.Using a Bayesian probability model, we show that the diagnostic benefit and TRALI prevention benefit of testing donors have a complex interrelationship with the number of implicated donors and clinical suspicion of antibody‐mediated TRALI (AMT) and that rational testing choices vary according to value assigned to outcomes.The challenges to the use of a formal decision model for clinical testing are discussed and conclude that a formal model is a useful consensus‐building tool for improving consistency and openness in decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) uses sophisticated algorithms to “learn” from large volumes of data. This could be used to optimise recruitment of blood donors through predictive modelling of future blood supply, based on previous donation and transfusion demand. We sought to assess utilisation of predictive modelling and AI blood establishments (BE) and conducted predictive modelling to illustrate its use. A BE survey of data modelling and AI was disseminated to the International Society of Blood transfusion members. Additional anonymzed data were obtained from Italy, Singapore and the United States (US) to build predictive models for each region, using January 2018 through August 2019 data to determine likelihood of donation within a prescribed number of months. Donations were from March 2020 to June 2021. Ninety ISBT members responded to the survey. Predictive modelling was used by 33 (36.7%) respondents and 12 (13.3%) reported AI use. Forty‐four (48.9%) indicated their institutions do not utilise predictive modelling nor AI to predict transfusion demand or optimise donor recruitment. In the predictive modelling case study involving three sites, the most important variable for predicting donor return was number of previous donations for Italy and the US, and donation frequency for Singapore. Donation rates declined in each region during COVID‐19. Throughout the observation period the predictive model was able to consistently identify those individuals who were most likely to return to donate blood. The majority of BE do not use predictive modelling and AI. The effectiveness of predictive model in determining likelihood of donor return was validated; implementation of this method could prove useful for BE operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, the field of transfusion medicine for dogs has advanced significantly, becoming a crucial aspect of veterinary clinical practice. Nowadays, blood still remains a fundamental biological source and the welfare and health status of eligible species-specific blood donors are essential for veterinary transfusion medicine. Aim: This study focused on evaluating two shelters in Central Italy (Marche region), located in Tolentino (TS) and in Camerino (CS), in order to assess the potential of the shelter dogs as canine blood donors. Methods: We evaluated a total of 45 dogs from these shelters based on physical (age and size), clinical, behavioural, and blood analysis criteria described in the Italian Ministerial Guideline for Veterinary Transfusion Medicine (2016). Results: At the TS shelter, out of 206 resident dogs, 125 met the donation criteria (60.68%), with 28 (13.59%) selected for the study due to the impossibility to collect the samplings or other exclusion causes. In the CS shelter, of the 149 dogs, 17 (11.41%) were identified as potential blood donors and included in the study. Among these, seven dogs (25%) from TS and five dogs (29.41%) from CS were found to have DEA1 negative blood group. High percentages (TS = 25.24%, CS = 40.27%) of dogs were excluded for seniority and 29.53% in CS for behavioural issues. Notable findings included reduced erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume [mean TS = 63.93 fl; CS = 64.00 fl] and Reticulocyte Hemoglobin [mean TS = 22.39 pg; CS = 21.38 pg]. Additionally, in both shelters’ dogs showed a modest increase in eosinophils levels [mean TS = 1.59 K/μl; CS = 1.02 K/μl]. Conclusion: Shelter dogs can fulfill the blood donation requirements set by the Italian Ministerial Guideline on Veterinary Transfusion Medicine. They are generally in good health and present a low risk of transmitting parasitic diseases; however, many are ineligible for donation due to behavioural pathologies or temperament issues and seniority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: In the Netherlands, as of April 2018, the upper age limit for blood donation has been raised from 69 to 79 years, providing an opportunity to study older donors' perspectives regarding donating at older age. This study aims to explore whether older donors agree with the increase of the age limit, if they feel obliged to continue donating, to identify their motivators and barriers for donating blood and describe donation‐related experiences and complications. Materials and Methods: An online survey was distributed among Dutch blood donors aged 68–73 years. The survey contained questions regarding the increase of the upper age limit, motivations and barriers for donating, donation‐related experiences and obligatory feelings to continue donating. Results: Six hundred sixty donors (55%) were included in the analyses, including 38 stopped donors. Most donors (92%) agreed with the increase of the upper age limit. Approximately 63% of participating donors felt obliged to continue donating, especially women with high education. Donors indicated they felt healthy enough to keep donating (95%), and 72% thought it is good for their health to keep donating. Few donors reported that they found it hard to keep donating (5%) or indicated that they did not feel healthy enough to donate or thought it was not safe for them anymore (3.4%). Conclusion: Most of the older donors agree with the increase of the upper age limit for blood donation, report only few and minor donation‐related experiences or complications and are highly motivated to continue their donor career at an older age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe differences in prevalence and the long-term presence of nucleocapsid antibodies (N-antibodies) elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection in a Swedish blood donor population not subjected to lockdown. We tested 20,651 blood donor samples for nucleocapsid antibodies from the beginning of March 2020 and 27 months onwards using the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay. The proportion of positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody samples was determined each week. After the exclusions of one-time donors and subjects with incomplete data, 19,726 samples from 4003 donors remained. Differences in antibody prevalences stratified for age, sex, and blood groups (ABO and RhD) were determined, as well as antibody loss and recovery. Lower antibody prevalence was seen for older donors, blood group AB, and RhD-negative subjects. A significant decrease in antibody titer between the first and the second antibody-positive donation was seen for the whole study group, females, older subjects, blood group O, AB, and RhD-positive subjects. The titer waned below the detection limit in 60 (3.0%) of 1983 N-antibody-positive donors, and for 18 of these donors, a second episode with antibodies was detected. We showed that N-antibodies persist for months or years and that surprisingly few antibody-positive donors lost their antibodies. We also conclude that antibody prevalence in a Swedish population never subject to lockdown did not apparently differ from populations that were subject to stricter regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To ascertain the prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections )TTIs( across diverse donor groups in the Najran province. Additionally, to establish a potential association between the development of TTI and the donors' blood group, as determined by the ABO/Rh blood grouping system. Methods: Blood donation data of 4120 donors, spanning from January to December 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. The blood were screened for TTI markers, including hepatitis B surface antigen )HBsAg(, anti-hepatitis B core )anti-HBc(, antihepatitis C virus )anti-HCV(, anti-human immunodeficiency Original Article viruses 1 and 2 )anti-HIV1&2(, anti-human T-lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 )anti-HTLV-1&2(, and syphilis antigen. Results: Positive TTI markers were detected in 10.9% of the donors. The most detected TTI marker was anti-HBc )8.9%(, followed by HBsAg )0.7%(. Other markers were individually detected in <1% of the donors. Anti-HBc-positive was significantly elevated among non-Saudi blood donors. There was an association between age groups and anti-HCV )p=0.002(, anti-HTLV )p=0.004( and syphilis antigen )p=0.02( markers positivity. The AB positive blood group exhibited the most positivity for TTI markers, followed by O positive blood group. Similarly, association was found between ABO group and HBsAg )p=0.01(, anti-HBc )p=0.001(, and anti-HCV )p<0.001( markers positivity. Conclusion: Emphasis on implementing robust screening measures for donated blood is underscored by this study. There is the need for future study to extensively evaluate TTI status to enhance our understanding of the trend in TTI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript proposes Strategic Improved K-Means Clustering to simplify blood donor data analysis and distribution. The technique optimizes blood donor system resources via K-Means++ initialization, hierarchical clustering, and smart data dissemination. The paper begins with a comprehensive overview of clustering techniques and their healthcare applications. It illustrates the need for contemporary blood donor data analysis methods for cluster quality and resource allocation. Cluster purity, silhouette coefficient, Davies-Bould in the index, and other performance indicators are used to rigorously compare the recommended technique to 10 established clustering methods. The approach routinely fulfils these conditions, proving that it creates accurate, well-fitting groupings. Ablation tests how much-enhanced initialization, hierarchical clustering, and strategic data placement improve the entire. The study found that these make the procedure dependable and successful for numerous sorts of data. The study shows that the approach may be applied to other data besides blood donor data. Hierarchical clustering provides important information about the dataset's hierarchical patterns, making clustering findings easier to grasp. Resources are better distributed with strategic data dissemination. The recommended strategy is effective in emergencies and areas with changing blood needs. To conclude, Strategic Improved K-Means Clustering evaluates and distributes blood donor data comprehensively. Its flexibility, adaptability, and speed make it excellent for managing healthcare resources and making collective choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Until 25 July 2022, Australians who had spent more than 6 months in the United Kingdom or territories between 1980 and 1996 were deferred from blood donation due to the risk of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. Removal of this geography‐based donor deferral on RhD‐negative blood availability has not been reported. Materials and Methods: All donors who donated at least once from 25 July 2022 to 25 July 2023 were included. UK donor status, first‐time donor and ABO RhD data were extracted from the National Blood Management System. Results: Data from 566,447 blood donors with a valid ABO RhD result were analysed. Of these, 34,560 were new or returning lapsed donors following removal of the UK donor deferral. The median age [range] in years for all donors was 43 [75] with UK donors being older 53 [70]. There was a higher prevalence of RhD‐negative status in UK donors (20.2%) compared with first‐time blood donors (15.7%). Conclusion: UK donors were generally older, female and more likely to be RhD‐negative. Although UK donors provided a boost to RhD‐negative blood collections, the overall prevalence of ABO RhD blood groups in the total Australian blood donor panel remained similar to previous estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (Lifeblood) performs human erythrocyte antigen (HEA) genotyping for a subset of repeat whole‐blood donors through preferential selection which aims to maximise variation of results and possibility of identifying donors lacking high frequency red cell antigens. Materials and Methods: The HEA Molecular Bead chip™ assay is used by Lifeblood for donor genotyping. A review of all donor HEA genotype data from March 2019 to May 2022 (3 years) was conducted. Results: HEA genotyping was performed for 20,185donors. Due to selective genotyping of donors, a higher frequency of R1R1 predicted phenotype was identified. However, frequencies of other red cell phenotypes were relatively similar to previous reported in the Australian population. A small number of donors with rare red cell phenotypes was identified. Conclusion: Genotyping of blood donors provides an available pool of extended matched red blood cell products for matching to recipients. Additionally genotyping can improve the identification of donors with rare phenotypes. Whilst limitations exist, genotyping may reduce the need for labour intensive serotyping, improve blood inventory management, and may be useful in donor recruitment and retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Rh blood group antigens are highly immunogenic and have a propensity to produce alloantibodies in multi-transfused patients. Knowledge of antigen frequency in a population is useful in compatibility issues, population genetics studies, and resolving medico-legal issues. Aims To determine the frequency of Rh antigens in voluntary blood donors. Settings and Design A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 381 voluntary blood donors in the blood center of a tertiary care center. Methods and Materials Rh-D typing was conducted by the conventional tube method. Specific monoclonal antisera were used to detect major Rh antigens by the conventional tube method. Statistical Analysis Used The collected data was recorded on an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20. The results are expressed in frequency and percentage. Results Among Rh antigens, e was most common (96.6%), followed by D: 94%, C: 87.4%, c: 54.6%, and E: 17.3%. The most common phenotype in Rh-positive donors is DCe/DCe (R1R1) (43.6%), while in Rh-D-negative donors, it is dce/dce (rr) (4.5%). Rare phenotypes were encountered, among which were DCcEE and Rh E/e deletion. The Rh E/e negative antithetical antigens encountered were D CC− (0.5%) and DCc− (0.3%). Conclusions The database for the antigen frequency of the Rh blood group system in the local blood donor population helps provide antigen-negative units to patients with multiple alloantibodies and compare the frequencies of Rh deletions.

Background and Objectives: Due partly to an ageing population, China faces an increasingly dire blood shortage crisis requiring greater voluntary blood donations. A better understanding of blood donation preferences can inform blood donation policies and potentially increase donations. We used an online survey and discrete choice experiment to achieve our study objective: identify the most influential structural facilitators and barriers to voluntary blood donation in China. Materials and Methods: First, we identified six structural attributes (travel time, venue, donation volume, paid leave, scheduling and gifts) that were hypothesized to influence voluntary blood donation; attribute selection was based on a literature review and qualitative interviews. Second, a d‐efficient design with 36 choice sets and 9 blocks was developed. Participants were asked to complete four choice sets, and in each choice set, they were asked to choose from three options: two voluntary blood donation scenarios and a 'Do not donate blood' option. Study participants were recruited through an online survey platform company in China. Voluntary blood donation preferences and preferences by blood donation history were estimated with random‐parameter logit models and interaction terms. Results: In 2022, 1185 individuals enrolled in the study. Most participants had college education (92%). Generally, participants preferred longer paid leave, lower blood donation volumes and gifts after donation. Based on interaction analyses, experienced and inexperienced donors exhibited similar preferences. Conclusion: Campaigns to increase voluntary blood donation rates in China should consider implementing paid leave after voluntary blood donation, lower blood donation volumes and small gifts conferred after donation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the health and lives of many people worldwide. According to World Health Organization (WHO) global data, 774 million cases of COVID-19 and 7.04 million COVID-19 deaths have been reported. Many people are still struggling with the consequences of infection with SARS-CoV-2. In the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the pathophysiology of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus and establishing effective therapies became the priority. Due to the lack of dedicated treatment against SARS-CoV-2 and the limited availability of antiviral drugs, Poland was one of many countries that decided to start convalescent plasma therapy. Many COVID-19 convalescents have decided to donate whole blood and plasma. Material and methods: In our study, we examined how the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies changed up to 120 days after suffering from COVID-19 and developing a primary immune response, and whether the hematological parameters of convalescent donors changed significantly during this time. The study group consisted of 394 blood donors whose serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers were analyzed via ELISA IgG assay. Additionally, hematological parameters were determined in whole blood samples. Results: Our research shows that in blood donors who recovered from COVID-19, and whose initial anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels were high, these high levels persisted even to the 120th day after the onset of the disease. Also, the hematological parameters remain normal, enabling safe blood donation for the donor and the recipient despite the previous presence of COVID-19. Conclusions: These results can be used to optimize the parameters qualifying donors to donate convalescent plasma in the event of the future emergence of new infectious agents with significant infectivity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an increasing concern in many countries. We investigated the detection rate of HEV viremia in blood donors in Russia. A total of 20,405 regular repetitive voluntary non-renumerated blood donors from two regions (Moscow and Belgorod) were screened for HEV RNA using the cobas® HEV test in mini-pools of six plasma samples. Samples from each reactive pool were tested individually. The average HEV RNA prevalence was 0.024% (95% CI: 0.01–0.05%), or 1 case per 4081 donations. No statistically significant differences in HEV RNA prevalence were observed between the two study regions. The PCR threshold cycle (Ct) values ranged from 25.0 to 40.5 in reactive pools, and from 20.9 to 41.4 in reactive plasma samples when tested individually. The HEV viremic donors had different antibody patterns. Two donor samples were reactive for both anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies, one sample was reactive for anti-HEV IgM and negative for anti-HEV IgG, and two samples were seronegative. At follow-up testing 6 months later, on average, four donors available for follow-up had become negative for HEV RNA and positive for anti-HEV IgG. The HEV ORF2 sequence belonging to HEV-3 sub-genotype 3a was obtained from one donor sample. The sequencing failed in the other four samples from viremic donors, presumably due to the low viral load. In conclusion, the HEV RNA detection rate in blood donors in Russia corresponds with data from other European countries, including those that implemented universal donor HEV screening. These data support the implementation of HEV RNA donor screening to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV infection in Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Malaria was the first ever reported case of transfusion transmitted infection (TTI). Transfusion transmissible malaria (TTM) can result in febrile transfusion reaction in the recipient. TTM can be fatal if the blood transfusion recipient is from vulnerable population i.e. pregnant women or young children. Therefore, the present study was done to estimate the seroprevalence of malaria parasitemia among blood donors in Garhwal region. Materials and Methods: Study subjects were healthy blood donors who had passed the screening criteria for blood donation. Donors with a history of malaria were temporarily deferred for 3 months following full recovery. Screening of the donated blood units for malaria parasite was done using immunochromatography based rapid diagnostic test. Thin smear examination was performed for malaria parasite species identification. Results: A total of 1984 blood donations were screened for TTI. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV HIV and syphilis was 0.3% (n=6), 0.25% (n=5), 0% (n=0) and 0% (n=0) respectively. The seroprevalence of malaria parasite was 0.05% (n=1). Plasmodium vivax was identified upon thin smear examination. The donor reactive for malaria parasite was a replacement donor and gave no recent history of fever or any past history of malaria. Conclusion: Meticulous donor screening combined with rapid diagnostic tests for malaria parasite is the most practical strategy to prevent TTM in Garhwal region of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick‐borne bacterium and the cause of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Here, we report a case of transfusion‐transmitted (TT)‐HGA involving a leukoreduced (LR) red blood cell (RBC) unit. Case Report: A 64‐year‐old woman with gastric adenocarcinoma and multiple myeloma who received weekly blood transfusions developed persistent fevers, hypotension, and shortness of breath 1 week after receiving an RBC transfusion. Persistent fevers, new thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis suggested a tick‐borne infection. Results: The absence of blood parasites on thick and thin blood smears suggested that malaria and Babesia infection were not present, and the recipient tested negative for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. Blood testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species identified A. phagocytophilum. Treatment with doxycycline resolved the infection; however, the recipient expired due to complications of her known malignancies. The recipient lived in a nursing home and did not have pets or spend time outdoors. The donor was a female in her 70s from Maine who was diagnosed with HGA 3 weeks after donating blood and whose LR‐RBCs from the donation were transfused to the recipient 9 days following collection. Conclusion: This is a confirmed case of TT‐HGA. Although rare, TT‐HGA has been reported with LR‐RBCs and platelets. In endemic areas, testing for tick‐borne associated infections should be considered when investigating post‐transfusion complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Serological HTLV‐1/2 screening is mandatory for blood donor candidates in Brazil. Our objective was to analyse HTLV test results in blood donors submitted for screening and confirmatory assays in a Brazilian blood bank. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis (2017–2022) results of chemiluminescence immunoassays and confirmatory tests for HTLV‐1/2 in reactive donors were performed. During the analysed period, three sets of assays were used: (1) Architect rHTLV‐I/II + HTLV Blot 2.4 (Western blot [WB]); (2) Alinity s HTLV I/II Reagent Kit + INNO‐line immunoassay (LIA) HTLV I/II Score (LIA); (3) Alinity + WB. Results: The analysed period comprised a total of 1,557,333 donations. The mean percentage of HTLV reactive donors using the Architect assay was 0.14%. With the change to the Alinity assay, that percentage dropped 2.3‐fold (0.06%). The reactivity rate in the confirmatory tests (1064 samples) ranged from 13.5% to 30.2%, whereas 58.3%–85.9% of samples were non‐reactive. The highest rates of positive (30.2%) and indeterminate (11.5%) results were seen using LIA. Considering all analysed samples, those with signal/cut‐off ratio (S/CO) >50 were positive in confirmatory tests (positive predictive value, PPV = 100%), whereas samples with S/CO ≤6 are very unlikely to be truly positive (PPV = 0). Conclusion: The use of the Alinity assay reduced the frequency of false‐positive results. Confirmatory tests are important to identify true HTLV infection in blood donors, because more than 58% of initially reactive individuals are confirmed as seronegative. Categorizing S/CO values is useful for assessing the likelihood of true HTLV‐1/2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) among blood donors in Wuhan urban agglomeration, aimed at providing data support for the development of HEV screening strategies for blood donors. Methods A total of 3 329 blood samples were collected from four centralized testing areas (Ezhou, Tianmen, Xiantao and Qianjiang) and screened at Wuhan Blood Center from January to December 2021. Among them, 2 737 were eligible blood samples with normal ALT (ALT normal group) and 592 were with elevated ALT (ALT elevated group). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect anti-HEV IgG, anti-HEV IgM and HEV-Ag, and Real-time PCR was used to perform single HEV RNA detection on blood samples with elevated ALT and normal ALT anti-HEV IgM+ blood samples. A two-sided Pearson’s chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the differences in the positive rates of anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM in different regions and ALT groups. Results The overall positive rates of anti-HEV IgG, anti-HEV IgM, and HEV-Ag in 3 329 blood samples from four regions were 21.63%, 1.29%, and 0%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the positive rates of anti-HEV IgG among blood donors in different regions (P

Objective To evaluate the HBsAg detection results of HBsAg+ samples after 8 years refrigeration by ELISA and evaluate the effectiveness of the current storage policy of retained samples. Methods A total of 100 HBsAg+ plasma samples by ELISA from May 2014 to March 2015 and refrigerated at -20℃ were collected and retested for HBsAg using the same method after thawing in 2023. Results The HBsAg retest results of 100 plasma samples were all positive, with the concordance rate of 100%, though there was a significant decrease in the S/CO value after refrigeration(27.52 vs 19.03, P

Objective To detect the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in blood donors in Guangzhou, so as to provide laboratory data support for the collection and clinical use of convalescent plasma. Methods Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were measured by ELISA in qualified donors. Among them, 326 donors who gave blood in February 2023 were tested for IgG antibodies, 444 donors were tested for neutralizing antibodies. In July 2023, 398 donors were tested for IgG and IgM. Results 399 of 724 blood samples diluted with normal saline (1∶160) were IgG reactive, with a reactive rate of 55.11%. Chi-square test showed that there was a significant difference in the reactive rate of IgG among samples collected at different times (25.46% in February vs 79.40% in July, χ2=210.74, P

Background: SARS-CoV-2 enters cells primarily by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, thereby blocking its physiological functions, affecting the apelinergic system, and inhibiting the cleavage of its peptides. The appropriate concentration of peptides in the apelinergic system influences the maintenance of homeostasis and protects against cardiovascular diseases. In our research, we determined the level of selected parameters of the apelinergic system—apelin (AP), elabela (ELA), and the apelin receptor (APJ)—in repeat blood donors. Methods: We analyzed 120 serum samples obtained from 30 repeat donors (study group) within four time periods after a SARS-CoV-2 infection: 120 days. We compared the results from the study groups with those of the control group, which consisted of 30 serum samples collected from donors donating blood in the years 2018–2019. Results: We observed that the AP, ELA, and APJ concentrations in the control group are higher than in any period in the study group. In the study group, the concentrations of AP and ELA increased in subsequent study periods. AP and ELA concentrations were lower shortly after SARS-CoV-2 transfection and then slowly increased in subsequent periods. APJ concentrations, on the other hand, were lowest at 61–90 days after the infection, but the decrease, relative to their level in healthy subjects, was significant in every period studied. Conclusions: The results suggest that infection with SARS-CoV-2 causes changes in the parameters of the apelinergic system, both after a short period of time has passed since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and even up to 4 months after the infection.

Objectives: Our objective was to compare the measurement of residual white blood cell (rWBC) and residual red blood cell (rRBC) counts in blood products using the XN Blood Bank mode and the laboratory standard operating procedures for manual counts. In addition, to compare the whole blood complete blood count (CBC) values of blood donors and the quality of blood products using the Sysmex XN analyser versus the XS‐1000i analyser. Materials and Methods: For blood donors, 190 samples from blood or apheresis donors were analysed on both the Sysmex XS‐1000i and XN‐1000 analysers and the mean values of six CBC parameters were compared: the white blood cell count (WBC), the red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), the platelet count (PLT). For blood products, 164 samples were collected: 13 Plasma products – whole blood, 9 Plasma products – apheresis, 36 RBC concentrates – whole blood, 30 PLT concentrates – buffy coats, 36 PLT concentrates – buffy coats – pooled and 55 PLT concentrates – apheresis. Results: All CBC parameters of the blood donors tested showed similar performance, with excellent correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.821 to 0.995. The majority of the blood products did not have a quantifiable number of residual cells, meaning the number of rWBC and rRBC, if present, was below the limit of quantitation (LoQ) of the different methods. rWBC were detected by Blood Bank mode in Plasma products – whole blood with a mean rWBC of 0.012 × 109/L and in PLT concentrates – buffy coats with a mean rWBC of 0.19 × 109/L. The correlation coefficient in both analysers for all three parameters (HGB, HCT, RBC) in RBC concentrates – whole blood was excellent, ranging from 0.95 to 0.99. For platelet count, r ranged from 0.98 to 0.99. Conclusion: The XN‐Series analyser, equipped with a Blood Bank mode, demonstrated reliable performance when used for blood donor evaluation, rWBC enumeration and measurement of end blood products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Donor characteristics have been implicated in transfusion‐related adverse events. Uncertainty remains about whether sex, and specifically pregnancy history of the blood donor, could affect patient outcomes. Whether storage duration of the blood product could be important for patient outcomes has also been investigated, and a small detrimental effect of fresh products remains a possibility. Here, we hypothesize that fresh red blood cell products donated by ever‐pregnant donors are associated with mortality in male patients. Materials and Methods: We used data from a cohort study of adult patients receiving a first transfusion between 2005 and 2015 in the Netherlands. The risk of death after receiving a transfusion from one of five exposure categories (female never‐pregnant stored ≤10 days, female never‐pregnant stored >10 days, female ever‐pregnant stored ≤10 days, female ever‐pregnant stored >10 days and male stored for ≤10 days), compared to receiving a unit donated by a male donor, which was stored for >10 days (reference), was calculated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The study included 42,456 patients who contributed 88,538 person‐years in total, of whom 13,948 died during the follow‐up of the study (33%). Fresh units (stored for ≤10 days) from ever‐pregnant donors were associated with mortality in male patients, but the association was not statistically significant (hazard ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 0.97–1.99). Sensitivity analyses did not corroborate this finding. Conclusion: These findings do not consistently support the notion that the observed association between ever‐pregnant donor units and mortality is mediated by blood product storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nearly 700 erythrocyte antigens are described and organized into 30 blood group systems by the International Society of Blood Transfusion of which ABO and Rh are important. All human populations share the same blood group systems; although they differ in the frequencies of specific types. The prevalence of ABO & Rh groups varies markedly in different races, ethnic groups, and socio-economic groups in different part of the world. The knowledge of distribution of ABO& Rh blood groups at local and regional levels is helpful in effective management of blood banks & safe blood transfusion services. The study was done to assess the prevalence of ABO & Rh blood group among the blood donors in the blood bank centre in Rural Medical College in Konkan region. Material & Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the blood bank of a Rural Medical College, in Konkan region of Maharashtra. Secondary data was collected for the period of two years (from June 2021 to June 2023). Results: The present study concludes that 'A' blood group is the commonest blood group amongst the blood donors followed by 'B', 'O' and 'AB' blood group respectively. Rh positive and negative donors were 91.16% % and 8.84 % respectively in the Rhesus blood group system. Conclusion: For blood transfusion activities, population genetic study and parental testing, ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood group system are paramount. Blood groups are hereditary characters and are useful in compatibility test in blood transfusion and organ transplant practices. Inventory management and disease trends in relation to blood groups can be supported by knowledge about distribution of blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nearly 700 erythrocyte antigens are described and organized into 30 blood group systems by the International Society of Blood Transfusion of which ABO and Rh are important. All human populations share the same blood group systems; although they differ in the frequencies of specific types. The prevalence of ABO & Rh groups varies markedly in different races, ethnic groups, and socio-economic groups in different part of the world. The knowledge of distribution of ABO& Rh blood groups at local and regional levels is helpful in effective management of blood banks & safe blood transfusion services. The study was done to assess the prevalence of ABO & Rh blood group among the blood donors in the blood bank centre in Rural Medical College in Konkan region. Material & Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the blood bank of a Rural Medical College, in Konkan region of Maharashtra. Secondary data was collected for the period of two years (from June 2021 to June 2023). Results: The present study concludes that 'A' blood group is the commonest blood group amongst the blood donors followed by 'B', 'O' and 'AB' blood group respectively. Rh positive and negative donors were 91.16% % and 8.84 % respectively in the Rhesus blood group system. Conclusion: For blood transfusion activities, population genetic study and parental testing, ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood group system are paramount. Blood groups are hereditary characters and are useful in compatibility test in blood transfusion and organ transplant practices. Inventory management and disease trends in relation to blood groups can be supported by knowledge about distribution of blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The burden of transfusion‐transmitted infections among blood recipients remains low due to extensive pre‐ and post‐donation screening. However, the military has the unique challenge of providing blood in austere environments with limited testing capabilities. This study evaluates the infectious etiologies of deferred blood donors at a large military blood donation center. Methods: All blood donors at the Armed Service Blood Bank Center, San Antonio, between 2017 and 2022 with positive post‐donation screening for hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV‐I/II), Zika (2018–2021), West Nile virus, Trypanosoma cruzi, Treponema pallidum, or Babesia microti (2020–2022) were evaluated. Donors were deferred based on Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance. Results: Two‐hundred and thirteen (213) donors met FDA criteria for deferral. T. pallidum (n = 45, 50.3 per 100,000), HCV (n = 34, 38.0 per 100,000), and HBV (n = 19, 21.2 per 100,000) were the most common pathogens among those with both positive screening and confirmatory testing. The majority of HIV (95%), Chagas (78%), HTLV‐I/II (50%) deferrals were due to indeterminate confirmatory tests following initial positive screens. The majority of deferrals for HBV were for a second occurrence of a positive screen despite negative confirmatory testing. Conclusion: The rates of post‐donation deferral for transfusion‐transmissible infections were low in this military cohort. Our findings suggest that donor testing in deployed service members should focus on HBV, HCV, and T. pallidum and highlight the need for better diagnostics for HIV, Chagas, and HTLV‐I/II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the syphilis trends by using the reverse algorithm in healthy/asymptomatic blood donors from Northern Pakistan. Study Design: Perspective longitudinal study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion (AFIT), Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan to Sep 2022. Methodology: After taking a complete history from potential donors, an appointed blood bank doctor performed a general physical examination. Potential donors’ blood samples were tested for syphilis by the Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) method followed by reflexively testing of CMIA reactive blood samples with Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR), and results were interpreted as positive or negative. Results: A total of 56122 donors donated blood over nine months, including 55742(99.3%) males and 380(0.7%) females. Blood donors ranging from 18-65 years with a mean age of 28.82±7.1 were included in the study. Out of 56122 blood donor samples submitted, 487(0.87%) turned out to be syphilis positive by CMIA method, comprising 485(99.59%) males and 02(0.41%) females. Of 487 CMIA-positive serum samples, 216(44.3%) were RPR-positive, all male donors. Conclusion: A higher latent syphilis trend was observed in replacement non-voluntary young male donors between 18 and 40 years of age. The majority of the syphilis positives donors were male, while females made up a negligible percentage.

Background and Objectives: Malaria was the first ever reported case of transfusion transmitted infection (TTI). Transfusion transmissible malaria (TTM) can result in febrile transfusion reaction in the recipient. TTM can be fatal if the blood transfusion recipient is from vulnerable population i.e. pregnant women or young children. Therefore, the present study was done to estimate the seroprevalence of malaria parasitemia among blood donors in Garhwal region. Materials and Methods: Study subjects were healthy blood donors who had passed the screening criteria for blood donation. Donors with a history of malaria were temporarily deferred for 3 months following full recovery. Screening of the donated blood units for malaria parasite was done using immunochromatography based rapid diagnostic test. Thin smear examination was performed for malaria parasite species identification. Results: A total of 1984 blood donations were screened for TTI. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV HIV and syphilis was 0.3% (n=6), 0.25% (n=5), 0% (n=0) and 0% (n=0) respectively. The seroprevalence of malaria parasite was 0.05% (n=1). Plasmodium vivax was identified upon thin smear examination. The donor reactive for malaria parasite was a replacement donor and gave no recent history of fever or any past history of malaria. Conclusion: Meticulous donor screening combined with rapid diagnostic tests for malaria parasite is the most practical strategy to prevent TTM in Garhwal region of India.

Abstract Background Asymptomatic infection is the most common outcome of exposure to Leishmania parasites. In the Mediterranean region, where Leishmania infantum is endemic, studies on the prevalence of asymptomatic infection have often relied on serological testing in blood donors. In Spain, regional studies have shown seroprevalence in blood donors between 1 and 8%; in Portugal, values of 0 and 2% were suggested by two localized studies, in different populations. The purpose of this study was (i) to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection in blood donors in mainland Portugal, and (ii) to study the association between the detection of antibodies to Leishmania and sociodemographic factors, and also the knowledge, perceptions and practices (KPP) of the blood donors regarding leishmaniasis. Methods A cross-sectional study targeted the population of people who donated blood in mainland Portugal. Participants, distributed proportionally by municipality and aged between 18 and 65 years, were selected randomly in 347 blood collection points between February and June 2022, and completed a sociodemographic and a KPP questionnaire. Detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies in serum was performed using an ELISA commercial kit. Individual KPP scores were calculated by adding grades defined for each question. Results Globally, 201/3763 samples were positive. The estimated national true seroprevalence was 4.8% (95% CI 4.1–5.5%). The proportion of positive results was significantly different between NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) regions. Models suggested that seropositivity was significantly higher in male sex, people older than 25 years, or residing in the Centro NUTS2 region, but not in dog owners nor people with lower KPP scores. Overall, 72.3% of participants had previously heard of leishmaniasis and, in multivariate analysis, a higher Knowledge score was associated with age 25–40 years, female sex, ownership of dogs, and higher education. Conclusions Global estimated true seroprevalence (4.8%) was similar to previous regional studies in blood donors in neighboring Spain. Higher seroprevalence values in the NUTS2 Centro region were consistent with incidence data from humans and seroprevalence studies in dogs. On the other hand, the low values in the Alentejo and the high values in the northern subregions may be the result of geographical shifts in parasite circulation due to climate change and should prompt localized and integrated, vector, canine, and human research, following a One Health approach. Graphical Abstract

Objective To investigate the prevalence of depression in blood donors and analyze the related factors, so as to develop a rapid depression screening model for blood donors. Methods A total of 13 015 street whole blood donors in Guangzhou Blood Center during May to August, 2020 filled in an anonymous e-questionnaire, including social demography information and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 before donation. The cut-off value for detecting depression was 10. Logistic regression by SPSS 26.0 was used to analyze depression related factors. 2-level decision tree with 30/10 as the minimum number of cases in parent/child node, 10-fold cross validation was used to cut items of PHQ-9 to form the depression screening model. Results 364 out of 13 015 (2.80%) street whole blood donors reported a score ≥ 10. Donors with 18-29 years old (P

Abstract Introduction The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) booster vaccination campaign and the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants impact the prevalence and levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the Netherlands. In this study we determined antibody levels across age groups, the impact of Omicron variant infections, and the effect of booster vaccinations on antibody levels. Methods In September and December 2021 and in February 2022, over 2000 Dutch blood donors were tested for presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Donations were selected based on age, sex, and region of residence, to provide an optimal coverage and representation of the Dutch population. Results Levels of vaccination-induced spike antibodies decreased over time in all age groups. Donors vaccinated with Janssen or AstraZeneca had significantly lower antibody levels than donors vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Boostering with an mRNA vaccine elevated antibody levels in all age-groups irrespective of the initial vaccine. In donors aged

Context: Malaria is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Transfusion transmitted malaria contributes significantly to the burden of malaria in SSA. The safety of blood transfusion as it relates to frequency of blood donation and malaria occurrence on the part of donors is an aspect that has not been properly investigated hence this study. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the frequency of blood donation and occurrence of malaria among blood donors at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Ethical approval was obtained. One hundred and thirty-three consenting blood donors aged between 18-50 years were recruited for the study. Two millilitres of blood were collected from each study participant and immediately transported to the laboratory for processing. Giemsa-stained films of the samples were viewed under the oil immersion objective of the microscope. Questionnaires were administered to the study participants to obtain relevant information. Data generated were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS software version 20. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of malaria among the blood donors was 21.1% with the highest rate among commercial donors (33.3%) followed by family donors (12.9%) then voluntary donors (11.9%). Evaluation of the frequency of donation showed that malaria occurred more in recurring donors (77.78%) than first time donors (22.22%). Conclusion: Malaria is highly prevalent among blood donors and occurs more in recurring blood donors than first time donors.

At present, many infectious pathogens, especially emerging/re-emerging pathogens, exist in the blood of voluntary blood donors and may be transmitted through blood transfusions. However, most of Chinese blood centers only routinely screen for HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis. We employed metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to investigate the microbiome in healthy voluntary blood donors to help assess blood safety in China by identifying infectious pathogens presented in donations that could lead to transfusion-acquired infections. We collected 10,720 plasma samples from voluntary blood donors from seven blood centers in different cities during 2012–2018 in China. A total of 562 GB of clean data was obtained. By analyzing the sequencing data, it was found that the most commonly identified bacteria found in the healthy blood were Serratia spp. (5.0176%), Pseudomonas spp. (0.6637%), and Burkholderia spp. (0.5544%). The principal eukaryote were Leishmania spp (1.3723%), Toxoplasma gondii (0.6352%), and Candida dubliniensis (0.1848%). Among viruses, Human Parvovirus B19 (B19V) accounts for the highest proportion (0.1490%), followed by Torque teno midi virus (0.0032%) and Torque teno virus (0.0015%). Since that B19V is a non-negligible threat to blood safety, we evaluated the positive samples for B19V tested by mNGS using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis to achieve a better understanding of B19V in Chinese blood donors. Subsequently, 9 (0.07%) donations were positive for B19V DNA. The quantitative DNA levels ranged from 5.58 × 102 to 7.24 × 104 IU/ml. The phylogenic analyses showed that prevalent genotypes belonged to the B19-1A subtype, which disclosed previously unknown regional variability in the B19V positivity rate. The investigation revealed that many microbes dwell in the blood of healthy donors, including some pathogens that may be dormant in the blood and only cause disease under specific conditions. Thus, investigating the range and nature of potential pathogens in the qualified donations provided a framework for targeted interventions to help prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

Background: Asymptomatic infection is the most common outcome of exposure to Leishmania parasites. In the Mediterranean region, where Leishmania infantum is endemic, studies on the prevalence of asymptomatic infection have often relied on serological testing in blood donors. In Spain, regional studies have shown seroprevalence in blood donors between 1 and 8%; in Portugal, values of 0 and 2% were suggested by two localized studies, in different populations. The purpose of this study was (i) to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection in blood donors in mainland Portugal, and (ii) to study the association between the detection of antibodies to Leishmania and sociodemographic factors, and also the knowledge, perceptions and practices (KPP) of the blood donors regarding leishmaniasis. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted the population of people who donated blood in mainland Portugal. Participants, distributed proportionally by municipality and aged between 18 and 65 years, were selected randomly in 347 blood collection points between February and June 2022, and completed a sociodemographic and a KPP questionnaire. Detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies in serum was performed using an ELISA commercial kit. Individual KPP scores were calculated by adding grades defined for each question. Results: Globally, 201/3763 samples were positive. The estimated national true seroprevalence was 4.8% (95% CI 4.1–5.5%). The proportion of positive results was significantly different between NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) regions. Models suggested that seropositivity was significantly higher in male sex, people older than 25 years, or residing in the Centro NUTS2 region, but not in dog owners nor people with lower KPP scores. Overall, 72.3% of participants had previously heard of leishmaniasis and, in multivariate analysis, a higher Knowledge score was associated with age 25–40 years, female sex, ownership of dogs, and higher education. Conclusions: Global estimated true seroprevalence (4.8%) was similar to previous regional studies in blood donors in neighboring Spain. Higher seroprevalence values in the NUTS2 Centro region were consistent with incidence data from humans and seroprevalence studies in dogs. On the other hand, the low values in the Alentejo and the high values in the northern subregions may be the result of geographical shifts in parasite circulation due to climate change and should prompt localized and integrated, vector, canine, and human research, following a One Health approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]