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Little is known about the motivations and outcomes of sellers in remunerated markets for human materials. We exploit dramatic growth in the U.S. blood plasma industry to shed light on the sellers of plasma. Sellers tend to be young and liquidity-constrained with low incomes and limited access to traditional credit. Plasma centers absorb demand for nontraditional credit. After a plasma center opens nearby, demand for payday loans falls by over 13% among young borrowers. Meanwhile, foot traffic increases by over 4% at nearby stores, suggesting that constrained households use plasma markets to smooth consumption without appealing to high-cost debt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is used to prepare "sticky bone" by combining it with bone graft material. The present study investigated the ability of different bone grafts to absorb growth factors from the PRF and release them over time. Materials and Methods: Human blood was collected from 10 healthy volunteers for liquid PRF preparation. Bovine bone, allograft (mineralized and demineralized), and synthetic bone were each mixed with the PRF to prepare a sticky bone. All sticky bone samples were incubated for up to 4 days. The absorption and release pattern kinetics of two selective growth factors within the PRF--platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)--were quantified with immunofluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) testing. Results: All bone graft materials adsorbed the examined growth factors from the PRF. ß-TCP showed the highest adsorption levels, followed by the xenograft, and the allografts showed the lowest adsorption levels. Furthermore, PDGF showed a fast-release pattern from the grafts, whereas BMP-2 was released at a later stage. Similar to the adsorption pattern, the ß-TCP and xenograft were better able to sustain the release of the PRF growth factors from the graft than the allografts. Conclusions: The adsorption of PDGF and BMP-2 differ between graft materials, with superior results for ß-TCP, followed by xenograft, then allograft materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleocapsid antibody assays can be used to estimate SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in regions implementing spike-based COVID-19 vaccines. However, poor sensitivity of nucleocapsid antibody assays in detecting infection after vaccination has been reported. We derived a lower cutoff for identifying previous infections in a large blood donor cohort (N = 142,599) by using the Ortho VITROS Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total-N Antibody assay, improving sensitivity while maintaining specificity >98%. We validated sensitivity in samples donated after self-reported swab-confirmed infections diagnoses. Sensitivity for first infections in unvaccinated donors was 98.1% (95% CI 98.0-98.2) and for infection after vaccination was 95.6% (95% CI 95.6-95.7) based on the standard cutoff. Regression analysis showed sensitivity was reduced in the Delta compared with Omicron period, in older donors, in asymptomatic infections,

BACKGROUND: Monitoring genotypes of HIV infections in blood donors may provide insights into infection trends in the general population. METHODS: HIV RNA was extracted from plasma samples of blood donors confirmed as HIV positive by blood screening nucleic acid and antibody tests. HIV genome target regions were amplified using nested real time-polymerase chain reaction followed by next-generation sequencing. Sequences were compared to those in the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) database. Sequences were also assessed for drug resistance mutations (DRM) using the Stanford HIV DRM Database. RESULTS: From available HIV-positive donations collected between 1 September 2015 and 31 December 2020, 563 of 743 (75.8%) were successfully sequenced; 4 were subtype A, 543 subtype B, 5 subtype C, 1 subtype G, 5 circulating recombinant forms (CRF), and 2 were subtype B and D recombinants. Overall, no significant differences between blood donor and available LANL genotypes were found, and the genotypes of newly acquired versus prevalent HIV infections in donors were similar. The proportion of non-B subtypes and CRF remained a small fraction, with no other subtype or CRF representing more than 1% of the total. DRM were identified in 122 (21.6%) samples with protease inhibitor, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor DRMs identified in 4.9%, 4.6% and 14.0% of samples, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HIV genetic diversity and DRM in blood donors appear representative of circulating HIV infections in the US general population and may provide more information on infection diversity than sequences reported to LANL, particularly for recently transmitted infections.

OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global health problem. Risk factors for HBV infection are usually assessed in prevalent rather than incident infections. To identify demographic and behavioral risks associated with incident HBV among South African blood donors. METHODS: A case-control study was performed between November 2014 and January 2018. Cases were blood donors testing positive for HBV DNA with or without hepatitis B surface antigen but negative for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen. Participants completed an audio computer-assisted structured interview on exposures during the previous 6 months. Sex-specific multivariable logistic regression yielded independent associations between risks and HBV infection. RESULTS: 56 females and 37 males with incident HBV were compared to 438 female and 439 male controls, respectively. For females, risk factors were accepting money or goods for sex, using agents to prepare ones anus prior to anal sex, penetrating injury, non-Black race, and lower educational status. Men reporting homosexual or bisexual orientation or sex with other men, previous injury, referral for HBV testing, or lack of medical insurance were at increased risk. For both sexes, having more than two male sexual partners increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual behaviors predominated over parenteral exposures as risks for incident HBV in both female and male blood donors.

BACKGROUNDCOVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) virus-specific antibody levels that translate into recipient posttransfusion antibody levels sufficient to prevent disease progression are not defined.METHODSThis secondary analysis correlated donor and recipient antibody levels to hospitalization risk among unvaccinated, seronegative CCP recipients within the outpatient, double-blind, randomized clinical trial that compared CCP to control plasma. The majority of COVID-19 CCP arm hospitalizations (15/17, 88%) occurred in this unvaccinated, seronegative subgroup. A functional cutoff to delineate recipient high versus low posttransfusion antibody levels was established by 2 methods: (i) analyzing virus neutralization-equivalent anti-Spike receptor-binding domain immunoglobulin G (anti-S-RBD IgG) responses in donors or (ii) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.RESULTSSARS-CoV-2 anti-S-RBD IgG antibody was volume diluted 21.3-fold into posttransfusion seronegative recipients from matched donor units. Virus-specific antibody delivered was approximately 1.2 mg. The high-antibody recipients transfused early (symptom onset within 5 days) had no hospitalizations. A CCP-recipient analysis for antibody thresholds correlated to reduced hospitalizations found a statistical significant association between early transfusion and high antibodies versus all other CCP recipients (or control plasma), with antibody cutoffs established by both methods-donor-based virus neutralization cutoffs in posttransfusion recipients (0/85 [0%] versus 15/276 [5.6%]; P = 0.03) or ROC-based cutoff (0/94 [0%] versus 15/267 [5.4%]; P = 0.01).CONCLUSIONIn unvaccinated, seronegative CCP recipients, early transfusion of plasma units in the upper 30% of study donors antibody levels reduced outpatient hospitalizations. High antibody level plasma units, given early, should be reserved for therapeutic use.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT04373460.FUNDINGDepartment of Defense (W911QY2090012); Defense Health Agency; Bloomberg Philanthropies; the State of Maryland; NIH (3R01AI152078-01S1, U24TR001609-S3, 1K23HL151826NIH); the Mental Wellness Foundation; the Moriah Fund; Octapharma; the Healthnetwork Foundation; the Shear Family Foundation; the NorthShore Research Institute; and the Rice Foundation.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infectivity data were reviewed and the 50% infectious dose (ID50) was reassessed in different HBsAg‐positive infection stages enabling modelling of transfusion‐transmitted (TT)‐HBV infection risk if HBsAg donor screening was replaced by individual donation nucleic acid amplification technology (ID‐NAT). Quantitative HBsAg and HBV‐DNA assays were performed against international standards to compare the ratio between potential infectious HBV virions and subviral HBsAg particles in Egyptian HBsAg‐positive blood donors as well as in Japanese chimpanzee samples of known infectivity. HBV‐DNA load below the quantification limit of detection was estimated against a reference standard by replicate NAT testing (n = 25). Infectivity of chimpanzee samples collected during ramp‐up and declining viremic phase were tested in a human liver chimeric mice (HLCM) model and compared with published infectivity data from different HBsAg‐positive infection stages. Lowest estimates of ID50 in HBsAg‐positive plasma were 3–6 HBV virions in chimpanzee studies. Infectivity decreased approximately 10‐100‐fold in the declining viremic phase using HLCM. In acute phase samples, HBV to HBsAg particle ratios varied between 1:102–104 but in HBsAg‐positive blood donors this particle ratio reached 1:106–1012 when viral load was below 100 HBV‐DNA copies/mL. Modelled TT‐HBV risk of an HBsAg‐positive/ID‐NAT nonreactive blood transfusion was estimated at 5.5%–27% for components containing 20–200 mL of plasma when assuming an ID50 of 316 (point estimate between 100 and 1000) virions. It cannot be ensured that discontinuation of HBsAg donor screening and reliance on ID‐NAT alone is safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In Cameroon's blood banks, the shortage of blood bags is difficult to overcome because of the lack of donor loyalty and the complexity of recruiting new donors. This study explores the possibility of retaining donors and turning them into prospectors by analysing their satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: A Servqual questionnaire was administered to a sample of 109 donors obtained by voluntary sampling. We used customer satisfaction to determine the satisfaction score and the tetraclass model to analyse the contribution of the elements to satisfaction. Findings: Our results show that the blood donor satisfaction score is low (60.33%) compared with the norm (80%). The post-donation follow-up stage is the factor with the greatest influence on improving blood donor satisfaction. The elements that require particular attention in the supervision of blood donors are the snacking and blood-taking stages, because they have a strong capacity to worsen donor satisfaction when they are badly perceived by donors. Originality/value: The study focuses on aspects specific to the Cameroonian situation and sheds a unique light on blood donor satisfaction in this context, while offering a general understanding of this issue on an international scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The development of a potent immune response and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is important for herd immunity. The serological response may be due to a previous infection or vaccination. Healthy blood donors could represent and provide information on the immune status of the general population. Therefore, we estimated the global and regional prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthy blood donors. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest from December 2019 to January 2023. After critical appraisal and quality assessment, a qualitative synthesis of the identified relevant articles was performed. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was performed, and heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistics. Results: A total of 70 peer-reviewed articles were selected that together included 2,454,192 blood donors. The global estimated pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthy blood donors was 10.3% (95% CI: 4.6 – 18.0%, n = 70). The highest seroprevalence was observed in Asia (17.7%), followed by Africa (16.1%). The seroprevalence in studies conducted before the introduction of the vaccine was 6.1%, whereas those of studies conducted after vaccines were available was 27.6%. High seroprevalence was observed in studies that measured antibodies against the S protein of the virus (15.2%), while lower (12.5%) in those that measured antibodies against the N protein. A high seroprevalence was observed in studies that only measured IgG antibodies (16.3%), and it was 5.9% in studies that measured total antibodies. Conclusion: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthy blood donors varies, potentially indicating geographical disparities in transmission and vaccination rates. To enhance community resilience, addressing these differences through inclusive health policies and adaptable public health measures is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions General vaccination rates have been falling globally despite unequivocal health benefits. Noncompliance can result from access barriers and/or hesitant attitudes. Few studies have investigated the prevalence and determinants of noncompliance with COVID‐19 vaccination in blood donors.We surveyed blood donors on COVID‐19 infection and vaccination history, barriers and motivations for COVID‐19 vaccination, and comorbidities. We estimate the prevalence of noncompliance, the prevalence of hesitancy toward COVID‐19 vaccines, and investigate associated factors using multivariable models.From December 2021 to December 2022, 33,610 survey respondents were included. Of these, 24% had not been vaccinated for COVID‐19 or had missing vaccination information, and 99% of those who reported reasons for being unvaccinated declared at least one of three hesitant attitudes presented in the survey (safety concerns; personal/cultural/religious beliefs; being young and not worrying about being vaccinated). Among noncompliant donors, <2% reported access barriers. In the multivariable model addressing factors associated with vaccine noncompliance, younger age, male gender, White/Caucasian race, absence of comorbidities, residency in a State with less restrictive COVID‐19 policies, and living in micropolitan or rural areas were identified as significant predictors. Younger age and White/Caucasian race were independently associated with vaccine hesitancy among noncompliant donors.We found high rates of noncompliance with COVID‐19 vaccination in blood donors, mostly driven by vaccine hesitancy. Understanding vaccine adherence among blood donors—a relatively highly educated and healthy population, with good healthcare access and usually motivated by altruism—could provide key information on determinants of vaccine noncompliance that may be harder to overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions Transfusion‐transmissible infection (TTI) prevalence among US blood donors has been widely documented. Here we estimate the prevalence of donors presenting with ≥2 TTIs (multiple infections past or present referred to as coinfections) and describe their demographics and associations.Data from the Transfusion‐Transmissible Infections Monitoring System were compiled for October 2020–September 2023 (3 years). Prevalence per million donations (pmd) was calculated for each TTI coinfection combination with demographic characteristics summarized. The odds of each TTI coinfection combination were estimated using logistic regression. Reactivity by NAT and/or serology (HIV, HBV, and HCV) defined donors as consensus positive (CP) for each infection while serology‐based algorithms defined syphilis CP and the subset with active syphilis infections (ASIs).About 22 million donations were included, with 212 coinfections (9.7 pmd). Around 2% of donations positive for any TTI (n = 10,516) were coinfections. Coinfection prevalence per TTI combination ranged from 0.3 pmd for HIV CP and HCV CP, to 4.3 pmd for HIV CP and syphilis CP. There were high proportions of coinfections from donors who were male, aged 25–54 years, white or black, first time, and residing in the southern US Census Region. The odds of a second TTI occurring in an individual donor with a TTI ranged from 23 (95% CI: 13, 41) times more likely for HBV CP and ASI to 395 (95% CI: 298, 524) times more likely for HIV CP and ASI.Coinfections are relatively uncommon among blood donors in the United States; however, associations exist among HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of bacteria in the blood of healthy individuals remains controversial. This study explored the comprehensive bacterial profiles and specific biomarkers in different components of healthy Chinese blood donors. Methods: A total of 5230 whole blood (WB) specimens were collected. Among them, 5200 random samples were pooled into 26 mixed samples for bacterial profile analysis. The remaining 30 random samples were divided into 4 groups based on components: WB, plasma, red blood cells (RBCs), and buffy coat (BC). Subsequently, the amplicons of the bacterial 16S rDNA V3–V4 fragments were sequenced to measure the diversity and composition of the bacteria using next‐generation sequencing. Results: The bacterial DNAs in the blood primarily originated from the Proteobacteria phylum. A total of 301 species of bacterial DNA were found in blood specimens, with 46 species being present among all groups. A significantly higher abundance of bacterial DNA was found in the plasma and RBCs compared to those in BC and WB. However, the plasma and RBC groups showed significantly higher species diversity and richness compared to the BC and WB groups. In addition, the WB group had a significantly different community structure and composition compared to the plasma and RBC groups but was similar to the BC group. Conclusion: The presence of bacterial DNA fragments was confirmed in blood from healthy Chinese donors. The bacterial DNA fragments enriched in plasma showed the highest diversity, followed by RBC, WB, and BC. These results provide a foundation for further research on the microbiome in the blood of healthy individuals. [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 Methods Results Conclusion China's significant population affected by HIV poses a substantial threat to blood transfusion safety. Despite advancements in blood testing techniques, a residual risk of HIV transmission persists. Accurately assessing HIV epidemic and the residual risk is vital for monitoring blood supply safety and evaluating the effectiveness of new screening tests.We conducted a retrospective analysis of HIV detection results among voluntary blood donors from 2003 to 2022. The study included data on HIV‐confirmed positive donors, HIV prevalence, infection risk factors, and an incidence‐window period mathematical model to estimate the residual risk of HIV.Between 2003 and 2022, HIV prevalence among blood donors in Guangzhou showed a peak‐shaped trend, initially increasing before declining. The overall HIV prevalence was 18.9 infections per 100,000 donations. Male donors had a significantly higher prevalence compared with female donors. Donors aged 26–35 years had the highest prevalence. Ethnic minority donors had a higher prevalence compared with Han donors. Repeat donors had a lower prevalence compared with first‐time donors. Donors from other provinces had a higher prevalence compared with local donors. During the period of 2003 to 2022, the residual risk of HIV in Guangzhou steadily decreased, reaching a notable 1 in 526,316 donations in the past two years.The HIV epidemic among blood donors in Guangzhou remains severe, but the residual risk of HIV is decreasing. Novel detection methods have proven advantageous in reducing this residual risk. Implementing additional effective measures is imperative to ensure blood safety and curb the spread of HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Methods Results Conclusions Complete blood count is the most common, basic test requisitioned in hematology. The normal reference ranges of hematological parameters are required owing to variable socioeconomic, environmental, and genetic factors in populations. The current study determines the reference ranges of the healthy Indian donor population of a high socioeconomic group.The study was conducted in the Department of Transfusion Medicine at a tertiary care hospital in India and included 4098 individuals, aged 18–65 years coming for voluntary blood donation from July 2021 to October 2022. Blood samples were collected in K2EDTA, analyzed on the Sysmex XN–31 hematology analyzer, and using statistical tools, the normal reference ranges were calculated.The reference ranges for hemoglobin (HB) (137–185 g/L), WBC (5.1–1.7 × 109/L), platelet count (115.6–370.0 × 109/L) were noted. No statistically significant changes were observed in different age groups. There were gender‐wise differences noted in nearly all parameters. The HB and hematocrit (HCT) range was slightly higher in other Indian and other Asian populations with comparable values with the Chinese, Korean populations, and Western populations; RBC parameters were overall comparable with minor differences; the WBC count was higher than the other Indian and Asian populations particularly the upper limit of lymphocyte and monocyte; and the range of platelet counts had a comparable upper limit with all populations and had the lowest lower value in males in our study, which was comparable to only the Chinese population.It is concluded that reference ranges of common parameters were calculated with minor changes noted in all hematological parameters on comparing with other Indian, Asian population, and Western data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood donation is a prosocial act driven by mechanisms related to altruism. While altruism plays a significant role, the processes behind blood donation behavior are complex, with altruism being just one factor. This research aimed to investigate the influence of altruism and meaning in life on the willingness to donate blood among Romanian undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of 319 Romanian undergraduate medical students. Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for statistical analysis. Our findings reveal that altruism did not significantly impact the willingness to donate blood directly; however, this relationship was mediated by meaning in life. In practice, blood donation could be increased through a more substantial connection between altruism and a sense of meaning in life, especially during health crises. Utilizing social marketing campaign messages that actively encourage altruism and connect it to a sense of meaning in life may increase blood donor recruitment and retention among undergraduate medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of cold autoantibody detected in a 69-year-old gentleman diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cold autoimmune hemolytic anaemia. Pretransfusion testing showed panagglutination in ABO grouping, antibody screening and identification, with positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and positive control cells. A cold autoantibody was suspected, however, the test using a prewarm method and washed RBC with warm saline failed to resolve it. Further tests using DTT-treated cells resolved the grouping as AB RhD positive and DAT as positive with anti-C3d only (control negative). Cold autoadsorption was done and repeated antibody screening using cold-autoadsorped plasma was negative, excluding the presence of alloantibody. The cold-agglutinin titer was >1028 having a wide thermal range. Crossmatching using cold autoadsorped plasma with the AB-positive donor blood was compatible and the patient was transfused safely. For such cold autoantibody cases, an extensive immunohematological workup is required to exclude underlying alloantibody for transfusion safety and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the distribution pattern of blood groups among blood donors at a tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka. The analysis includes gender, age distribution, ABO blood groups, and Rh phenotypes. Understanding these patterns can help in better blood bank management and meet the needs of patients more effectively. [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]

Background: The popularity of Low‐Titer O Whole Blood (LTOWB) for treating trauma patients requires that donor centers and transfusion services make decisions on what titer testing capabilities to institute and an appropriate titer level threshold. This study compared the titer results determined by four methods to find a rate of agreement. Study Design and Methods: Isohemagglutinin titers were tested on 300 plasma samples utilizing various methods, each determining IgM antibody levels by direct hemagglutination with A1 and B reference cells. The methods used were the Beckman Coulter's PK7300, Immucor's NEO Iris microplate technology, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics (OCD) Vision, and manual titrations. Results: Only 42.7% of the samples tested showed agreement across all methods on ABO isohemaglutinin titer levels and only 32.5% demonstrated "High titer" agreement. Sample agreement was close to 90% if the Immucor method was excluded. At a <1:256 titer level threshold, the pass rate was 94.3% for Immucor, 89.7% for the PK7300, 87.3% for manual testing, and 75.7% for OCD's gel method. Sensitivity and specificity rates at a ± 1 titer level were respectively 100% and 95.4% for OCD's gel, 73.7% and 100% for Immucor, and 100% and 99.6% for the PK7300. Overall method accuracy was 91.7% for Immucor, 90.3% for the PK7300, and 86.7% for OCD's gel method as compared to manual titration. Conclusion: All three automated methods perform comparably to the manual method at a ± 1 titer tolerance level. Based on these comparisons, a titer level of <1:256 would maximize LTOWB production regardless of the method used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ever-increasing demand for blood resources worldwide, there is a great need to ensure a safe and adequate supply of blood products, and recruiting and retaining blood donors remains one of the primary challenges for blood transfusion agencies. The main objective of this research is to investigate the future development of blood donation culture in Iranian society, emphasizing the the role of social capital. This research is classified as applied in purpose and employs a mixed- methods approach. The statistical population comprises 10 experts of the blood transfusion organization. Purposive sampling method was used to select participants. Fuzzy Delphi and Micmac analysis were used for data analysis. The findings indicate that social capital is the most influential factor in blood donation. Moreover, among the various factors, philanthropy and public education were identified as the top priorities for effectiveness. The results obtained from the effects analysis showed that social capital had the largest direct and indirect effects. Philanthropy and public education also received the highest scores for direct and indirect dependence among other criteria. To address the impending shortage of blood donors in the coming decades, the blood transfusion organization must maintain the number of donors at a level commensurate with social needs by creating a culture and training that promotes voluntary donation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human inborn errors of the type I IFN response pathway and auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-α, -β, and/or -ω can underlie severe viral illnesses. We report a simple assay for the detection of both types of condition. We stimulate whole blood from healthy individuals and patients with either inborn errors of type I IFN immunity or auto-Abs against type I IFNs with glycosylated human IFN-α2, -β, or -ω. As controls, we add a monoclonal antibody (mAb) blocking the type I IFN receptors and stimulated blood with IFN-γ (type II IFN). Of the molecules we test, IP-10 (encoded by the interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) CXCL10) is the molecule most strongly induced by type I and type II IFNs in the whole blood of healthy donors in an ELISA-like assay. In patients with inherited IFNAR1, IFNAR2, TYK2, or IRF9 deficiency, IP-10 is induced only by IFN-γ, whereas, in those with auto-Abs neutralizing specific type I IFNs, IP-10 is also induced by the type I IFNs not neutralized by the auto-Abs. The measurement of type I and type II IFN-dependent IP-10 induction therefore constitutes a simple procedure for detecting rare inborn errors of the type I IFN response pathway and more common auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: There is a growing infectious syphilis outbreak in Western Canada. Although blood donors are screened for syphilis risks, some blood donors will still be confirmed test‐positive for syphilis. This study compares the characteristics of confirmed test‐positive syphilis donations in both Western Canada and Eastern Canada, November 2022–August 2023. Materials and Methods: Donors were defined as Western or Eastern Canadian. Blood donations were tested for syphilis using the PK‐TP assay (Beckman Coulter PK7300 Automated Microplate System). Confirmatory Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) assays were performed by one of two reference laboratories. An RPR titre ≥1:8 was used as a proxy for possible infectious syphilis. Results: Rates of laboratory‐confirmed syphilis were higher in Western (n = 43, 13.4/100,000 donations) versus Eastern donors (n = 19, 4.7/100,000 donations; Fisher's exact test, two‐sided, p ≤ 0.0001). Most syphilis confirmations were in first‐time donors (Western Canada n = 31/43, 72.1%, Eastern Canada 12/19, 63.2%). Conclusion: Although rates of laboratory‐confirmed syphilis were higher in Western versus Eastern donors, Western donors did not have higher rates of infectious syphilis. Further studies might assess whether donors with laboratory‐confirmed syphilis understood pre‐donation screening questions or were completely unaware of a past infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Regular whole blood donations are associated with an increased risk of iron deficiency. Iron supplementation is an effective strategy to prevent donation‐induced iron deficiency. However, research on donor perceptions towards such a policy is limited. Therefore, we aim to evaluate donors' knowledge on donation‐induced iron depletion and their perceptions regarding iron supplementation as a blood service policy. Materials and Methods: Three thousand Dutch whole blood donors were invited to complete a survey assessing their knowledge of donation‐induced iron depletion and attitudes and perceptions towards iron supplementation as a policy. Linear regression modelling was used to evaluate associations between explanatory variables and perceptions. Results: In total, 1093 (77.1%) donors were included in the analysis. Donors had poor knowledge of current iron management policies, but a better understanding of iron metabolism and supplementation. Iron supplementation as a policy was perceived mainly positive by donors, and the majority were willing to use iron supplements if provided. Iron supplementation was not perceived as invasive or negatively affecting donors' motivation to continue donating. Additional iron monitoring, information and donor physician involvement were regarded as important conditions for implementation. Male sex, trust in the blood service, prior experience with iron supplements and openness towards dietary supplements were strongly positively associated with willingness to use iron supplementation. Conclusion: Donors' knowledge regarding donation‐induced iron depletion is limited, but not associated with their perceptions regarding iron supplementation. Donors do not consider iron supplementation as invasive, deterring or demotivating, and a majority are willing to take supplements if offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: To investigate the prevalence, genotype and haematological characteristics of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in the blood donor population of Wuxi area (Jiangsu Province, China) and to assess the impact of their red blood cell (RBC) units on clinical transfusion. Materials and Methods: We conducted genotyping and large‐scale screening for G6PD enzyme activity in the blood donors of Wuxi City. In addition, we assessed the haematological parameters of G6PD‐deficient and non‐deficient blood donors, and investigated the adverse transfusion reactions in patients transfused with G6PD‐deficient blood. Results: We investigated 17,113 blood donors, among whom 44 (0.26%) were tested positive for G6PD deficiency. We identified 40 G6PD gene variants, among which c.1388G>A, c.1376G>T, c.1024C>T and c.95A>G were common. In addition, we identified two novel G6PD gene variants, c.1312G>A and c.1316G>A. The G6PD‐deficient and non‐deficient blood samples showed a significant difference in the RBC, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), RBC distribution width, total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL) and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) values. However, the two samples showed no significant difference in the haemolysis rate at the end of the storage period. Finally, transfusion with G6PD‐deficient RBC units did not lead to any adverse transfusion reactions. Conclusion: The positive rate of G6PD deficiency in the blood donor population of Wuxi City is 0.26%, and the genetic variants identified in this population are consistent with the common genetic variants observed in the Chinese population. Blood centres can establish a database on G6PD‐deficient blood donors and mark their RBC units to avoid their use for special clinical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Antibodies against the hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) are a marker of immunity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. There is uncertainty about the anti-HBs seroprevalence in the general population of Austria. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in blood donors from the Federal State of Tyrol in Austria (August–September 2023) to estimate anti-HBs seroprevalence and median antibody levels. Results: We enrolled 3935 blood donors (median age 47.6 years [25th–75th percentile: 33.3–56.6]; 40.7% female), who were hepatitis B surface antigen negative and had no detectable HBV-DNA. Overall seroprevalence was 51.4% (95% CI: 49.8–52.9%). Anti-HBs seropositivity decreased with higher age (p < 0.001), with 70.3% (66.1–74.3%) being seropositive among participants < 25 years of age and 30.2% (24.2–36.9%) in those aged ≥ 65 years. More females than males were seropositive (54.3% [51.8–56.7%] vs. 49.4% [47.4–51.4%]; p = 0.003). Seroprevalence was significantly higher in urban than in rural areas in participants aged 40 to <55 (p = 0.045) and ≥55 years (p = 0.001). Among 2022 seropositive participants, the overall median anti-HBs antibody level was 539.3 IU/L (25th–75th percentile: 116.3–5417.0). Furthermore, 5% of the participants had an anti-HBs antibody level between 10 and <20 IU/L, 18% between 20 and <100 IU/L, and 77% ≥100 IU/L. Conclusions: Anti-HBs seroprevalence in blood donors from Tyrol, Austria, was 51.4% between August and September 2023 and differed across age, sex, and residence area. Catch-up vaccination programs, especially targeting the elderly living in rural areas, are needed to close HBV immunity gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging infectious disease with zoonotic potential, causing acute hepatitis in humans. Infections in healthy individuals are often acute, self-limiting and asymptomatic, thus leading to the underdiagnosis of HEV infections. Asymptomatic HEV infections pose a problem for blood transfusion safety by increasing the risk for transfusion-transmitted HEV infections. Here, we describe the journey from determining the HEV seroprevalence among blood donors to the implementation of routine HEV RNA testing of all blood products in Switzerland in 2018 and summarise the HEV cases detected since. In total, 290 HEV-positive blood donations were detected by mini-pool nucleic acid testing (NAT) in Switzerland in the period of October 2018–December 2023, equal to an incidence of 20.7 per 100,000 donations. Thanks to the implemented scheme, no transfusion-transmitted infections occurred in this period. Furthermore, blood donation monitoring has proven to be an effective means of detecting HEV outbreaks in the general population. HEV cases in Swiss blood donors are caused by two major genotypes, the Swiss-endemic subtypes 3h3 and 3c. Interestingly, 11 HEV cases (5%) were of genotype 3ra, a variant found in wild and farmed rabbits. Our results indicate that mini-pool NAT is an efficient method to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusion Human platelet antigens (HPA) play a central role in foetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), post‐transfusion purpura and some cases of platelet therapy refractoriness. The frequency distribution of HPA had not been studied in the Greek population before we started to create a registry of HPA‐typed apheresis platelet donors. The aim of this study was the determination of the frequency of various HPA in the Greek population, through the establishment of a registry of typed donors.Here, we report on the first 1000 platelet donors of Greek origin who gave informed consent and were genotyped for 12 pairs of antithetical HPA by Single Specific Primer‐Polymerase Chain Reaction (SSP‐PCR), including HPA‐1, HPA‐3, HPA‐5 and HPA‐15. Antigen frequencies are reported, and allele frequencies were calculated and compared with other European and non‐European populations. Tested donors cover all ABO and Rhesus D antigen spectrum.Antigen and allele frequencies are very similar to other White populations. The frequency of HPA‐1bb is 2.9% in our study, and the frequency of HPA‐2b, HPA‐4b, HPA‐9b and HPA‐15b is also slightly higher than in other literature reports, while the frequency of HPA‐15b was found higher than that of HPA‐15a.We report antigen and allele frequencies for a large array of clinically significant HPA for the first time in the Greek population. Frequencies are consistent with other European populations. This registry of HPA‐typed platelet donors, available to donate on demand, is an important asset for the treatment of FNAIT cases in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Study Design and Methods Results Discussion Blood services must consider innovative ways to encourage more Black people to donate to enhance the efficacy of treatments. We evaluate how two innovative arts‐based approaches (co‐designed and locally produced films and a large‐scale Marvel Studios'/NHSBT collaboration) can achieve this by generalizing to a wider audience from their target audiences.Four co‐designed short community films were produced in the United Kingdom: Comedy, Reciprocity, Donor‐Recipient, and Sliding Doors. In Study 1 (N = 44: Black people), these films were evaluated in the target community in which they were produced. In Study 2 (N = 1237: Black = 638, White = 599), the community and Marvel Black Panther/NHSBT films were evaluated in a nontarget general population sample. Evaluations were in terms of campaign behavioral efficacy (e.g., willingness to donate, encourage others to donate) and affect. These analyses were segmented by donor status, age, and gender.Study 1 shows that the community groups rated the films very positively, with over 90% stating that they would be convinced to donate blood. Study 2 shows the results from the community films generalized to the general population, with the Black Panther film also rated positively in the general population. Three community films and the Black Panther film were rated equally positively. There were notable differences across generations and by donor status.The results highlight the power of arts‐based approaches (both locally co‐produced community films and franchise collaborations) in encouraging donors within their target audiences and, importantly, on the broader population. [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 Methods and Results Conclusions Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation remains limited when stem cell registrants cannot be contacted, are not medically fit, are unavailable, or unwilling to proceed. In a recent report, registrants who were prior blood donors were more likely to be available for donation. In this study, we analyzed extent to which recruiting blood donors to the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry (CBS SCR) can meet targets for ethnic diversity, age, and proximity to collection facilities.We analyzed 124,496 active blood donors on July 1, 2023 regarding the criteria for recruitment to the CBS SCR. A total of 40,518 (32%) were younger than 36 years of age and 49% were first‐time donors (potential new recruits year over year). The ethnicity of blood donors younger than 36 years aligns more closely with the 2021 Canadian census compared to stem cell donors who were also previous blood donors, and to the current total inventory of all registrants on the CBS SCR. Of the blood donors, certain ethnic groups, including Black, Chinese, and First Nations/Indigenous, remain underrepresented. A greater proportion of active whole blood donors live within 400 km of a stem cell collection center (91%) compared to stem cell donors who donated during the past 10 years (80%).Recruitment of blood donors offers an opportunity to improve the ethnic diversity of the CBS SCR and increase proximity of registrants to stem cell collection centers. The potential improved availability of registrants when matched to patients requires confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic condition with fatigue as an essential but not precisely assessed symptom. While some well-specified scales for fatigue assessment in some pathologies exist, data on their usefulness in HH need to be collected. This research aimed to evaluate fatigue in HH using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ). Methodology: Seventy-nine HH patients underwent a questionnaire containing items about detailed medical history and the FAS, FSS, and CFQ scales. Twenty-five sex- and age-matched healthy persons constituted the control group (controls); additionally, thirty blood donors (donors) were compared. Results: The fatigue indices were significantly worse in the HH patients than in the controls and donors (HH vs. controls p-value: FAS = 0.003, FSS < 0.001, and CFQ = 0.003; HH vs. donors p-value: FAS = 0.025, FSS < 0.001, and CFQ = 0.041). There were no differences between the severity of fatigue and the specific genotype or the age of the patients. The HH women presented more severe fatigue than the men. High internal consistency and reliability for each scale were revealed: the Cronbach alpha values were as follows: FAS 0.92, FSS 0.95, and CFQ 0.93. Additionally, the construct validity and factorial validity of the implemented scales were confirmed. Conclusions: The HH patients exhibited significantly worse fatigue across all the scales. The FAS, FSS, and CFQ are simple and reliable diagnostic tools for assessing and quantifying fatigue for clinical and research purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the current situation and development trend of unpaid blood donation among college students in Huaian area of Jiangsu Province in recent 10 years, so as to provide theoretical basis for better recruitment of college students. Methods A retrospective analysis method was used to collect the annual blood donation amount, blood donation number, collection amount of different units, collection number of different units, and annual unpaid blood donation number of colleges from the blood information management system of Jiangsu Province from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022 for analysis, induction and summary. Results In recent 10 years, the number of blood donation of college students in Huai ′an area of Jiangsu Province was 1 601-5 576, and the amount of blood donation was 8 100. 25-23 188. 75 U. The number of college students in Huaian area was increasing but the number of blood donors was decreasing. The participation of unpaid blood donation in college was high but the number of blood donors was small. The overall unpaid blood donation rate of college students was low. One-time blood donation of 300 mL was relatively high [70. 00%（29 358/41 940）], and the number of blood donations of 400 mL was relatively low. The participation of college students in platelet donation was low. Conclusion College student groups should be firmly grasped, and personalized blood donation publicity activities should be carried out in depth to increase the interest of blood donation publicity activities and enhance the attention of college student groups; Go to colleges and universities to carry out research activities related to voluntary blood donation, and further explore potential college students′ blood donation groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The safety of blood donation requires screening for transfusion-transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in blood donors of Mogadishu Tertiary Care Hospital, Somalia from 2020 to 2022. Methods: The records of 109,385 blood donors who attended our blood center in Mogadishu-Somalia between 2020 and 2022 were examined retrospectively. Serum samples of donors; HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV and syphilisscreening tests were studied using the microparticleEnzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA)(Vitros, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, U.S) method.The distribution of HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV and syphilis positivity rates of 109,385 blood donors according to years, gender and age were examined. Kolmogorov Smirnov, Skewness, Kurtosis tests and histogram were used for normality analysis. Chi-squared test (χ2) and Fisher Exact test were used to analyze categorical data. Categorical variables were expressed as frequency (percentage). Analysis of continuous data was performed with the Mann Whitney U test. P < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant. Results: HBsAg positivity was found in 0.6% of the donors, anti-HCV positivity in 0.01%, anti-HIV positivity in 0.03% and syphilispositivity in 0.3%. The results showed that among the blood donors, the prevalence of syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis Cwas notably low. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis among blood donors in Somalia was found to be quite low. Even if our found seroprevalence rates are low, to guarantee the safety of blood for recipients, strict selection of blood donors and thorough screening of donors' blood using accepted procedures are strongly advised. [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]

Background and Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusions Blood establishments strive to ensure the safety and comfort of blood donors while minimizing adverse events. This review aims to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of eating and/or drinking interventions before, during and/or after blood donation in reducing vasovagal reactions (VVRs).We analysed randomized and non‐randomized controlled trials comparing eating and/or drinking interventions to no intervention, placebo or usual practice on (pre‐)syncopal VVRs and related symptoms. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach was used to assess the risk of bias and overall certainty of the evidence.Pre‐donation water ingestion likely results in reduced on‐site VVRs, compared to no water (2 fewer per 100 donors, moderate‐certainty evidence). A pre‐donation isotonic drink likely results in reduced VVRs, compared to usual practice (2 fewer per 100 donors, moderate‐certainty evidence). Pre‐donation salt‐loaded sweetened lemon water may result in fewer off‐site VVRs, compared to sweetened lemon water only (1 fewer per 100 donors, low‐certainty evidence). Pre‐donation water and a gel cap containing sucrose with 250 mg caffeine may result in fewer blood donor reaction ratings, compared to pre‐donation water only (low‐certainty evidence).Pre‐donation plain water ingestion or isotonic drink probably results in a large reduction in on‐site and off‐site VVRs. Pre‐donation water ingestion with caffeine consumption or salt supplementation may result in a VVR reduction, compared to water ingestion only. Future large trials are required to increase the certainty of the effect of these and other interventions in the prevention of VVRs. [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]

Background: Surveillance of HIV-1 pre-treatment drug resistance (PDR) is essential for ensuring the success of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). Beside population-based surveys, sentinel surveillance of PDR and circulating HIV-1 clades in specific populations such as blood donors could efficiently inform decision-making on ART program. We therefore sought to ascertain HIV-1 residual infection, the threshold of PDR and viral diversity among recently-diagnosed blood donors in Gabon. Methods: A sentinel surveillance was conducted among 381 consenting blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Center (NBTC) in Gabon from August 3,2020 to August, 31, 2021. In order to determine the residual risk of HIV transmission, viral load and HIV-1 Sanger-sequencing were performed at the Chantal BIYA International Reference Center (CIRCB)-Cameroon on HIV samples previously tested seronegative with ELISA in Gabon. Phylogeny was performed using MEGA X, PDR threshold>10% was considered high and data were analysed using p≤0.05 for statistical significance. Results: Five HIV-negative blood donors had a detectable viral load indicating a high residual risk of HIV transmission. Among the samples successfully sequenced, four participants had major drug resistance mutations (DRMs), giving a threshold of PDR of 25% (4/16). By drug class, major DRMs targeting NNRTI (K103N, E138G), NRTIs (L210W) and PI/r (M46L). The most representative viral clades were CRF02_AG and subtype A1. The genetic diversity of HIV-1 had no significant effect on the residual risk in blood transfusion (CRF02_AG, P = 0.3 and Recombinants, P = 0.5). Conclusion: This sentinel surveillance indicates a high residual risk of HIV-1 transfusion in Gabon, thereby underscoring the need for optimal screening strategy for blood safety. Moreover, HIV-1 transmission goes with high-risk of PDR, suggesting suboptimal efficacy of ART. Nonetheless, the genetic diversity has limited (if any effect) on the residual risk of infection and PDR in blood donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusion Homophily represents the extent to which people feel others are like them and encourages the uptake of activities they feel people like them do. Currently, there are no data on blood donor homophily with respect to (i) people's representation of the average prototypical UK blood donor and (ii) the degree of homophily with this prototype for current donors, non‐donors, groups blood services wish to encourage (ethnic minorities), those who are now eligible following policy changes (e.g., men‐who‐have‐sex‐with‐men: MSM) and recipients. We aim to fill these gaps in knowledge.We surveyed the UK general population MSM, long‐term blood recipients, current donors, non‐donors and ethnic minorities (n = 785) to assess perceptions of the prototypical donor in terms of ethnicity, age, gender, social class, educational level and political ideology. Homophily was indexed with respect to age, gender and ethnicity.The prototypical UK blood donor is perceived as White, middle‐aged, middle‐class, college‐level educated and left‐wing. Current donors and MSM are more homophilous with this prototype, whereas recipients and ethnic minorities have the lowest homophily. Higher levels of homophily are associated with an increased likelihood of committing to donate.The prototype of the UK donor defined this as a White activity. This, in part, may explain why ethnic minorities are less likely to be donors. As well as traditional recruitment strategies, blood services need to consider broader structural changes such as the ethnic diversity of staff and co‐designing donor spaces with local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives In addition to supplying safe and sufficient blood and blood components, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) has supplied surplus plasma for plasma fractionation to produce plasma-derived medicine products (PDMPs) since 2005. The look-back process is a requirement for contract fractionation and aims to improve the safety of PDMPs and blood components. This study investigates the trend of look-back units due to repeatedly reactive screening test results during 2018-2021. Materials and Methods In this serial cross-sectional study, the data gathered from the look-back form, including the number of lookback cases, lookback due to repeatedly reactive samples, confirmatory test results, and changes in test kits. The data were entered into SPSS software, and statistical analysis were carried out using the chi-square test and incidence rate ratio in R software. Results In 2019, after changing the screening methods and kits, there was a significant increase in the look-back rate and the number of repeatedly reactive samples in screening tests. The prevalence of repeatedly reactive samples in the HBsAg screening test was lower than that of HIV and HCV. The confirmatory test showed negative results for HCV and HIV at rates of 85% and 90%, respectively. Conclusions The change in screening methods and kits can lead to an increase in repeatedly reactive samples, resulting in a higher rate of look-back units and plasma waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long COVID is a common condition lacking consensus definition; determinants remain incompletely understood. Characterizing immune profiles associated with long COVID could support the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies. Methods: We used a survey to investigate blood donors' infection/vaccination history and acute/persistent symptoms following COVID‐19. The prevalence of long COVID was evaluated using self‐report and an adapted definition from the RECOVER study. We evaluated factors associated with long COVID, focusing on anti‐spike and anti‐nucleocapsid SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. Lastly, we investigated long COVID clinical subphenotypes using hierarchical clustering. Results: Of 33,610 participants, 16,003 (48%) reported having had COVID‐19; 1853 (12%) had self‐reported long COVID, 685 (4%) met an adapted RECOVER definition, and 2050 (13%) met at least one definition. Higher anti‐nucleocapsid levels measured 12–24 weeks post‐infection were associated with higher risk of self‐reported and RECOVER long COVID. Higher anti‐spike IgG levels measured 12–24 weeks post‐infection were associated with lower risk of self‐reported long COVID. Higher total anti‐spike measured 24–48 weeks post‐infection was associated with lower risk of RECOVER long COVID. Cluster analysis identified four clinical subphenotypes; patterns included neurological and psychiatric for cluster 1; neurological and respiratory for cluster 2; multi‐systemic for cluster 3; and neurological for cluster 4. Discussion: Long COVID prevalence in blood donors varies depending on the adopted definition. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies were time‐dependently associated with long COVID; higher anti‐nucleocapsid levels were associated with higher risk; and higher anti‐spike levels were associated with lower risk of long COVID. Different underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms may be associated with distinct clinical subphenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Less discriminatory donor selection policies for men who have sex with men (MSM) may impact transfusion safety in terms of higher residual risks for known transfusion‐transmitted infections (TTIs), increased vulnerability toward new TTIs that are also transmitted via sex, and HIV infections masked by pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Study Design and Methods: TTI trends in Dutch donors were studied over a 13‐year period (2011–2023), characterized by successive relaxations of MSM deferral criteria. Structured posttest counseling was performed to determine risk factors in TTI‐positive donors. PrEP drug levels were measured in 9977 donations from male donors living in urban areas and in 67 donors with active or resolved syphilis. Results: HIV incidence (from 5.8 to 1.5 per 1,000,000 donor years (DY)) and HBV incidence (from 12.4 to 4.5 per 1,000,000 DY) in Dutch donors decreased with less stringent MSM deferral criteria, while syphilis prevalence (from 26.4 to 44.1 per 100,000 new donors) and syphilis incidence (from 18.3 to 46.3 per 1,000,000 DY) increased over time. The proportion of MSM‐related syphilis rose from 2% to 32% in new donors and from 12% to 27% in repeat donors. PrEP was detected in 2 of 9977 (0.02%) donations from male donors living in urban areas, and in 1 of 39 (2.6%) male donors with syphilis. Discussion: To date, phasing out donor deferral for MSM had no significant impact on transfusion safety in the Netherlands. However, rising syphilis rates and (recent) PrEP use in the blood donor population, albeit rare, suggest an influx of donors with higher sexual risk profiles and requires intensified TTI surveillance in donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The visual detection of the early-eluting unknown peaks (UPs) in the chromatogram of the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is essential for its being supplementary to the diagnostic workup of different phenotypes of ß-Thal, particularly in areas endemic to this disease. This study aimed to scrutinize and uncover the interaction of the level of UPs detected during HPLC analysis of hemoglobin (Hb) with the Hb-F, Hb-A2, Hb subunits levels, and ß-Thalassemia (ß-Thal) phenotypes. Materials and methods: A total of 161 respondents with ß-Thal and 52 healthy blood donors were included in this study. HPLC analysis of Hb and quantification of the Hb subunits were performed using the VARIANT II ß-Thalassemia Short Program and triple-quad mass spectrometry, respectively. The level of UPs was measured using the software ImageJ 1.53k. Results: The mean levels of UP2, UP3, and UP4 correlated positively with the quantities of Hb-A2 and Hb-F, mainly in Hb-E/ß-Thal and ß-Thal major groups. The mean level of UP4 showed a direct correlation with Hb-subunit gamma. Conclusion: The composition of the UP4 is gamma-globin in nature. Further exploration of other elements in these pre-integration UPs might uncover clinically valuable markers. Knowledge and awareness of how these UPs interact with the Hb variants in different ß-Thal and their compositions, especially in cases of ß-Thal major or Hb E/ß-thal, might contribute toward revealing molecular mechanisms in ß-Thal and reinforcing the hematopathologists' interpretation of the result of HPLC analysis of Hb in diagnosing different ß-Thal phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The excessive cardiovascular mortality of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) could be linked to mineral stress, the biological consequence of calcium-phosphate nanoparticle exposure. This study investigated whether zinc is associated with mineral stress markers in CKD. Methods Z inc and T50 (serum calcification propensity) as well as hydrodynamic radius of secondary calciprotein particles (CPP2) were measured in blood donors and CKD patients with/out dialysis. Results Serum zinc concentrations and T50 were reduced, while CPP2 radius was increased in CKD patients. Serum zinc levels positively correlated with T50 and inversely correlated with CPP2 radius. In a hierarchical linear regression model, T50 was associated with age, calcium, phosphate, magnesium and albumin. Addition of zinc significantly improved prediction of the model, confirming an additional contribution of zinc to T50. Similar observations were made for the association of zinc and CPP2 radius, but spiking experiments indicated that zinc may stronger modify T50 than CPP2 radius. Also, urinary zinc excretion was increased in patients with kidney disease and correlated to T50 and CPP2 radius. S erum zinc further correlated with markers of arterial stiffness in blood donors and CKD patients, but these associations did not remain significant in a multivariate linear regression model. Conclusions Reduced serum zinc levels in CKD appear directly linked to lower T50 and associated with larger CPP2 radius. Further studies on the associations of zinc and mineral stress as well as putative therapeutic benefits of zinc supplementation are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the utility of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a prognostic marker in cats with blunt trauma. Design: Retrospective study from January 2018 to December 2021. Setting: University teaching hospital. Animals: Medical records of 177 cats admitted with blunt trauma were evaluated. History, clinical findings, blood cell count‐based ratios, thoracic radiographs on presentation, and outcome were reviewed. The Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score was assessed in each cat and classified as mild (1–3), moderate (4–7), and severe trauma (≥8). Forty‐eight healthy blood donor cats served as the control population. NLR, neutrophil counts, and lymphocyte counts were compared between cats with blunt trauma and controls, and among trauma patients. Interventions: None Measurements and Main Results: NLR, neutrophil counts, and lymphocyte counts significantly differ in cats with blunt trauma compared to controls (p < 0.001), and NLR was higher in patients with thoracic trauma (p = 0.044). Nonsurvivors had lower lymphocyte counts (p = 0.041), although those values do not appear to be clinically relevant. A significant increase in NLR was observed with increasing severity of trauma (p < 0.001). The NLR was not associated with the length of hospitalization, intensive care assistance, or mortality. Conclusion: NLR is a widely available diagnostic tool, which can be used in addition to ATT to assess trauma severity, although in our study it was not predictive of the outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: To reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) from transfusible components, Australia tests for malaria antibodies in both travellers returning from and former residents of malaria‐endemic areas. The testing is performed a minimum of 120 days after last potential exposure. TTM is an extremely rare event and managing the risk adds considerable complexity. The objectives of this study were to analyse various testing and deferral strategies, considering the risk, donation numbers and operational complexities. Materials and Methods: A residual risk model was developed to calculate the risk of TTM in five testing/deferral strategies. Australian blood donor data from 2020 and 2021 were used and incorporated the incidence of parasitaemia, Plasmodium species and the malaria enzyme immunoassay test's failure rate. Donor and donation loss or gain and an operational assessment were performed. Results: The current model's estimated risk of TTM is 1 in 67.9 million transfused units. Testing residents with a 120‐day plasma restriction for visitors without testing was found to have the same estimated risk, with an expected increase of 342 donations per year, significant cost savings and a 62% reduction in the number of donors requiring assessment. Conclusion: A strategy that involves testing residents of malaria areas only and a 120‐day plasma travel restriction would not significantly increase the risk of TTM, is operationally simpler, costs less and results in a small increase in donations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The risk of transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) infections is extremely low in Australia, and the cost‐effectiveness of the current screening strategy has not been assessed. This study aims to conduct a cost‐effectiveness analysis of different malaria screening strategies in blood donors as part of the risk‐based decision‐making framework. Materials and Methods: A decision tree model was developed to assess the cost‐effectiveness of five alternative malaria screening strategies from a healthcare sector perspective. Screening strategies combining total or partial removal of malaria testing with different deferral periods were considered. The probabilities of developing severe and uncomplicated TTM were based on a literature review of cases in non‐endemic areas since 2000. The health outcomes were quantified using disability‐adjusted life years. The costs of non‐returning donors due to deferral were also included. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to account for data uncertainty. Results: The residual risks for all strategies were so low that the costs, mortality and morbidity associated with TTM are almost negligible. The overall costs were predominantly influenced by the costs of non‐returning blood donors. As a result, removal of malaria testing and applying a 28‐day deferral for at‐risk donors were the least costly and most cost‐effective of all the options considered. Conclusion: The current screening strategy for malaria in blood donors in Australia is not an efficient use of healthcare resources. Partial or total removal of malaria testing would bring significant cost savings without significantly compromising blood safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Tattooing is one of the leading donor deferral reasons in Australia. Until September 2020, donors were deferred from all donation types for 4 months after a tattoo. At this time, our guideline changed such that donations of plasma for further manufacture were accepted immediately, provided the tattoo was administered in a licensed or regulated Australian establishment. We examined the effects of this change. Materials and Methods: Donors with a tattoo deferral in the 2 years before or after the guideline change were identified and followed up until 3 November 2022. Between the two periods, we compared blood‐borne virus (BBV) incidence, donor return, and the number of donors and donations regained after deferral. Results: The incidence of BBV infection in donors after a tattoo deferral was zero in both periods. To exceed a residual risk of 1 in 1 million for hepatitis C virus, 190 donors would need to be infected yearly from a tattoo. Donors returned to donate significantly faster after the change (median return 85 days compared with 278 days). An extra 187 donations per 10,000 person‐years of observation were gained, yielding a total of 44,674 additional plasma donations nationally 0–4 months after getting a tattoo. Conclusion: Allowing plasma donations immediately post‐tattoo resulted in a substantial donation gain with no adverse safety effect. Lifeblood subsequently reduced the deferral for transfusible component donations to 7 days for tattoos in Australian licensed/regulated establishments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: To explore transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) induced by human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐II antibodies, and to analyse antibody typing and source. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed the clinical symptoms and signs of two leukaemia patients with suspected TRALI from the same female donor. HLA phenotyping was performed on the two patients, the platelet donor, her husband and her two children. The HLA and human neutrophil antigen antibodies in the donor's plasma were identified. Results: The clinical manifestations of two leukaemia patients were those of TRALI, and we treated them with timely ventilator support. A high titre of HLA‐II antibodies was in the plasma of the platelet donor. The antibodies were directed at HLA‐DRB3*03:01, HLA‐DRB1*09:01, HLA‐DRB1*12:02, HLA‐DRB3*01:01 and HLA‐DRB1*12:01:01G, which were specific to the HLA antigens of the two patients. High‐resolution HLA genotyping suggested that the donor's HLA‐II antibodies were derived from immune stimulation by the husband's antigens during pregnancy. Conclusions: This study described two cases of TRALI caused by HLA‐II antibodies from the same female donor. Appropriate management of blood donors with a history of multiple pregnancies is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Some blood operators routinely screen blood donations for high‐titre (HT) anti‐A/B to reduce the risk of a haemolytic transfusion reaction due to out‐of‐group plasma‐rich components. We assessed donor factors associated with an increased likelihood of screening positive and compared routine data between England and Australia. Materials and Methods: Data were assessed from HT screening during 2018–2020 in Australia and 2018–2021 in England, totalling nearly 6 million blood donations. Screening was performed using a Beckman Coulter PK7300 analyser with a micro‐titre plate saline direct agglutination test in both countries, although different reagent red cells were chosen. HT‐positive was defined as testing positive at a titre of 128 or above. Results: The likelihood of a donor testing HT‐positive was greater for females than males, declined with age and was dependent on the ABO group. However, the proportion of donors testing HT‐positive was consistently higher in Australia than in England: overall, 14% of group O donations and 5% of group A donations in England tested HT‐positive, compared with 51% and 22%, respectively in Australia. English data also showed that donors from Black, Asian or mixed ethnic backgrounds were more likely to test HT‐positive than White donors. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that donor sex, age, ABO group and ethnicity affect the likelihood of testing HT‐positive. Differences in testing methods likely had a significant impact on the proportion of donors testing as HT‐positive or ‐negative rather than any differences in donor populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]