Characteristics Of Blood Donors Research Articles

Related Factors of Syphilis Positive Rate in Blood Donors During the COVID-19 Epidemic.

In Shenzhen of China, the continuous increase of syphilis infections threatens the safety of blood transfusion. In 2020, COVID-19 was discovered and spread rapidly around the world, and affected the prevalence of syphilis among blood donors. From 2013 to 2020, there were 839,161 blood samples collected in the Shenzhen Blood Center. Blood samples were screened by ELISA tests and confirmed by the TPPA (Treponema pallidum particle agglutination) tests and the TRUST (toluidine red unheated serum tests). All data was analyzed by the chi-square test. From 2013 to 2020, the positive rate of syphilis among blood donors varied significantly among individuals in different ages, educational backgrounds, regions, and blood donation histories (P<0.001). In 2020, It was the first time that there were more repeat blood donors than first-time blood donors and more blood donors with a higher education level than those with a lower education level, and the lowest reactive and positive rate of syphilis among blood donors was observed. Compared to 2019, the prevalence of syphilis among female and repeat blood donors decreased significantly in 2020 (P<0.01). The prevalence of syphilis in blood donors is related to the characteristics of blood donors (in addition to gender) and the COVID-19 epidemic. COVID-19 can affect the prevalence of syphilis among blood donors by influencing the composition of blood donors and the number of syphile-positive donors in certain blood donors, including female and repeat blood donors.

Analysis of transfusion-related acute lung injury cases investigated in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory, National Blood Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Abstract: CONTEXT: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) which is associated with passive transfer of antibodies to leukocyte antigens in blood products causes serious morbidity and mortality. Blood donation centers need to determine the best measure to mitigate the risk of TRALI. AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of blood donors implicated in TRALI cases and donors who were found to have human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies. SETTING AND DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study based on a retrospective record review in the Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory, National Blood Centre, Kuala Lumpur. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All cases investigated for TRALI from January 2017 to February 2022 were included. Donor’s variables analyzed include age, gender, race, history of alloimmunization, and result of HLA antibody test. Corresponding HLA antigen in recipient, recipient outcome and implicated blood product were also studied. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: Twenty-seven cases of TRALI with 37 donors were investigated. Majority of the donors were female (73%). Packed red cell was the most frequently implicated blood product (70.3%). There were significant associations between gender (P = 0.029) and history of pregnancy (P = 0.014) with the presence of HLA antibody in the donors. Multiparous donors with HLA antibodies have a higher number of pregnancies compared to their counterparts (mean = 3.93 [1.69] vs. 2.20 [0.84]) with a significant difference (P = 0.044). CONCLUSION: The characteristics of blood donors and blood products implicated in TRALI cases and donors who have HLA antibodies were identified. The impact of deferring certain blood donor group needs to be determined before the most appropriate TRALI mitigation strategy can be implemented.

Blood Donor Characteristics at a Hospital Blood Bank in Saudi Arabia: A Trend-analysis

Abstract BACKGROUND: Identification of blood donor profiles helps with recruitment and retention strategies. OBJECTIVES: To describe donor characteristics at a hospital blood bank and to describe any changes in donor characteristics throughout the study period. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed the blood bank records from 2005 to 2022. Characteristics of donors (age 18 or above) were collected. Percentages of donors according to various characteristics were described in 3-year intervals and compared using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Over the study period, 226,576 blood donations were identified. Most donors were men, and half were non-Saudi nationals. Approximately two-thirds of the blood donors (145,794, 64.3%) were between 25 and 44 years old, and (59,650, 26.3%) were between 18 and 24 years old. When donors were compared across time intervals according to the age group, the percentage of donors 18–24 years old decreased over time from 31.4% in the interval 2005–2007 to 23.5% in the 2020–2022 interval. Significant changes were seen in the percentages of repeat donors as well. CONCLUSIONS: Donation trends showed significant changes related to donor age, gender, and nationality as well as donor type (new or repeat donor), the most notable being that donations by younger adults have decreased. Marketing plans must be implemented to target and retain this donor population. Further research is required for the detailed characterization of donors across the country to ensure the sustainability of the blood supply.

Characteristics of first-time blood donors with unsatisfactory hemoglobin level and positive hepatitis B test in Binh Dinh Province

Blood transfusion is essential in the treatment of a various diseases. In order to guarantee a safe and sufficient volume of blood supply, it is crucial to select appropriate donors based on stringent eligibility criteria. The objective of this study was to furnish robust epidemiological information and identify the risk factors linked to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and low hemoglobin levels in first-time blood donors in Binh Dinh. Understanding the causes for donor deferrals can assist better plan and establish an efficient recruiting strategies as well as evaluate donor selection criteria. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Binh Dinh Provincial General Hospital from November 2022 to February 2023 to examine individuals in their first-time blood donation. Data were sourced directly from voluntary blood donation registration forms. HBsAg results were assessed using rapid immunochromatographic tests and chemiluminescent immunoassays. The rate of unsatisfactory hemoglobin levels was 2.56% tested on 1,638 participants. This rate was significantly associated with female sex (18 times greater odds than males), and lower weight. The results revealed that the rate of HBV infection was 3.13% when detected by the rapid test, but increased by 0.58% when measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. The positive hepatitis B deferral correlated with sex (p&lt;0.05), age group (p&lt;0.05) and occupation (p&lt;0.05). HBV was found the leading cause of deferral in the study area and associated with males, age groups (25–35 and 36–44), officer, worker-farmer, and self-employed people. The prevalence of low hemoglobin donor deferral obtained was 2.56%. Low hemoglobin deferral is associated with female gender, lower body weight, worker-farmer, and self-employed - others. This finding underscores a significant public health concerns, highlighting the need for strategies to lower the infection rates. Understanding the factors leading to defered donation can contribute to development of proactive strategies for recruiting and retaining donors.

Implementation of sexual risk behavior donor screening in Canada.

The two Canadian blood suppliers, Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, removed the time-based deferral for men who have sex with men and adopted criteria assessing sexual risk behaviors. We report the impact of these changes on the safety and adequacy of the Canadian blood supply. Since 2022, all donors are asked if (1) they have had a new partner and (2) more than one sexual partner in the last 3 months. Donors answering yes to either question are asked if they had anal sex in the last 3 months; if yes, they are deferred for 3 months. We followed HIV rates for the 18 months before and 14 (Héma-Québec) or 18 months (Canadian Blood Services) post-implementation and interviewed HIV-positive whole blood donors. We assessed the number and characteristics of whole blood donors answering yes to the two first questions with or without deferral. There were four HIV-positive donations out of 1,492,355 donations pre-implementation and four out of 1,447,772 post-implementation (0.27/100,000 vs. 0.28/100,000, p = 1.00). Post-implementation, one HIV-positive donor was non-compliant with multiple criteria, no risk factors were identified in the others. 3.2% of donors answered yes to questions (1) and/or (2); 0.17% were deferred for a new partner and/or more than one partner and anal sex. Deferral rates were highest in first time, younger donors, and similar in males and females. Implementation of sexual risk behavior donor screening resulted in unchanged HIV rates to date and a manageable deferral rate.

Blood Donation Pattern and Characteristics of Blood Donors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Blood donation rates in Saudi Arabia are relatively low compared to other countries. Understanding the patterns and characteristics of blood donors is crucial for improving donation rates and ensuring a sustainable blood supply. This Study utilizes data from the Wateen App to examine blood donation patterns in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from individuals who registered on the Wateen App. The Study analyzed demographic information, donation frequency, blood group distribution, regional variations, temporal trends, and user satisfaction with the App. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant findings.Results: The Study found that the majority of registered donors were male, with a higher proportion in the 25-35 age group. Most donors had donated once, while a small percentage had multiple donations. O+ blood group donors constituted the most significant proportion, followed by A+ and B+. The Eastern province had the highest incidence of registered donors. Over the years, there has been a gradual increase in the number of donors. There was no significant correlation between donation numbers and different months, seasons, or Ramadan.Conclusion: This Study provides insights into blood donation patterns in Saudi Arabia. Efforts should be made to address gender disparities, engage a wider age range of donors, promote donations among individuals with less common blood types, and improve donation infrastructure in regions with lower donation rates. The Wateen App has shown positive outcomes in enhancing donor engagement. Further research and collaborative efforts are necessary to improve the blood donation system in Saudi Arabia.

COVID-19 impact on blood donor characteristics and seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections in southern Thailand between 2018 and 2022

Blood safety is a critical aspect of healthcare systems worldwide involving rigorous screening, testing, and processing protocols to minimize the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). The present study offers a comprehensive assessment of the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis among blood donors in southern Thailand. It explores the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the blood transfusion service, donor characteristics, and the prevalence of TTIs. A retrospective analysis of 65,511 blood donors between 2018 and 2022 was conducted at Songklanagarind Hospital, Thailand. The socio-demographic characteristics of the donors were examined using the Chi-square test to assess the relationship between TTIs serological positivity and donor characteristics. The donors were divided into pre-COVID-19 (2018–2019) and during COVID-19 (2020–2022) groups to evaluate the impacts of COVID-19. The study found that HBV had the highest overall prevalence at 243 per hundred thousand (pht), followed by syphilis (118 pht), HCV (32 pht), and HIV (31 pht) over a five-year period of study. After COVID-19, the prevalence of HBV decreased by 21.8%; HCV decreased by 2.1%; HIV increased by 36.4%; and syphilis increased by 9.2%. The socio-demographic characteristics and TTIs prevalence were significantly altered over time. This study provides insights into blood donor characteristics and TTIs prevalence in southern Thailand, highlighting the understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the spread of TTIs.

Seroepidemiologi Antibodi Anti HIV berdasarkan Karakteristik Demografi pada Pendonor Darah di UDD PMI Kabupaten Probolinggo

Background: One of the indicators of HIV virus contamination in donor blood is the presence of anti-HIV antibodies. According to Probolinggo Blood Transfusion Unit, there are 55 blood donors screened reactive for anti-HIV antibodies in 2013-2018. Infected Blood by HIV virus causes a risk to donor recipients, especially the transmission of infection through blood transfusions. The purpose of this study is to describe the seroepidemiological trends of anti-HIV antibodies in blood donors. Methods: Descriptive research using annual data from Probolinggo Blood Transfusion Unit. The samples used in this study were all blood donors in 2013-2019 (29,421 blood donors). Blood donors were screened using Murex Ab/Ag Combination Diasorin UK Branch. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Result: There were 0.19% anti-HIV antibodies reactive in the blood of donors with the characteristics of blood donors were males, O blood types, voluntary and recurrent donors and conducting blood donor Kraksaan District. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, Probolinggo has a relatively low number of anti-HIV antibody findings. Nonetheless, the results show there has been an increase in the results of reactive screening for anti-HIV antibodies over the past 6 years in Probolinggo. Therefore, it is very necessary to maintain the quality of the screening that has been done and coordinate with the Probolinggo DHO to follow up on this problem.

Oncological impact of perioperative blood transfusion in bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy: Do we need to consider storage time of blood units, donor age, or gender matching?

The oncological impact of perioperative blood transfusions (PBTs) of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) because of bladder cancer (BCa) has been a controversial topic discussed in recent years. The main cause for the contradictory findings of existing studies might be the missing consideration of the storage time of red blood cell units (BUs), donor age, and gender matching. We retrospectively analyzed BCa patients who underwent RC in our department between 2004 and 2021. We excluded patients receiving BUs before RC, >10 BUs, or RC in a palliative setting. We assessed the effect of blood donor characteristics and storage time on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) through univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis. We also performed a propensity score matching with patients who received BUs and patients who did not on a 1:1 ratio. We screened 1692 patients and included 676 patients for the propensity score matching. In the multivariable analysis, PBT was independently associated with worse OS and CSS (p < .001). Postoperative transfusions were associated with better OS (p = .004) and CSS (p = .008) compared to intraoperative or mixed transfusions. However, there was no influence of blood donor age, storage time, or gender matching on prognosis. In our study of BCa patients undergoing RC, we demonstrate that PBT, especially if administered intraoperatively, is an independent risk factor for a worse prognosis. However, storage time, donor age, or gender matching did not negatively affect oncological outcomes. Therefore, the specific selection of blood products does not promise any benefits.

The Prevalence of Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases Among Blood Donors in the Central Blood Bank in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Background This study aimed to analyze the health and demographic characteristics of blood donors in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and assess the prevalence and correlation of two markers related to hepatitis B infection: hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis B virus surface antibody (HBsAb). Materials and methods The study used a retrospective design and collected data from the Central Blood Bank in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in 2022. The sample size was 7,875 blood donors. The study used various methods, such as serological testing, nucleic acid testing (NAT), and statistical analysis. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation to examine the relationships between different variables. Results The predominant age group was 29-39 years, accounting for 46.9% of the total donors. In terms of blood types, O+ve was the most common, representing 40.3% of the donors. The investigation into infectious markers revealed overall low levels of reactivity among donors. For HBsAg, a marker of active hepatitis B infection, only 0.36% of the units were reactive. Conversely, the anti-HBsAb, which indicates immunity to hepatitis B, was reactive in 6.83% of the units. The correlation analysis illuminated some critical relationships. The total number of units tested had a statistically significant, albeit weak, positive relationship with HBsAg reactivity, shown by a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.030 and a p-value of 0.008. Conversely, the total number of units tested and anti-HBsAb reactivity showed a moderate negative correlation, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.437 and a p-value of less than 0.001. However, no significant correlation was identified between HBsAg and anti-HBsAb reactivity, indicating that active infection and immunity status might not be directly linked. Conclusion This extensive study provides in-depth insights into the sociodemographic characteristics of blood donors and the prevalence of key infectious markers within this population. It underlines the imperative of rigorous screening of blood units, particularly given the low immunity levels to hepatitis B identified. Also, the study showed the importance of screening blood units and vaccinating people against hepatitis B. It also suggested the need for more research on blood safety and infection-immunity relationships.

Association of blood donor characteristics with hemoglobin content in leukoreduced packed red blood cells.

A complex relationship exists between donor characteristics and red blood cell quality which remains partly explored. The present study aimed to determine the correlation of donor characteristics with the hemoglobin (Hb) content of leukoreduced packed red blood cells (PRBC). This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 blood donors. A pre-donation sample was collected for hemoglobin and hematocrit estimation. Whole blood was collected in quintuple blood bags and packed red cells were prepared. Sample from each packed red cell unit was estimated for hemoglobin and hematocrit. The volume, total Hb, actual total Hb, volume and Hb lost during processing, mathematical total Hb and hematocrit of each PRBC unit was calculated using formulas. The donor characteristics were analysed for correlation with Hb content of PRBC. The mean age of the 100 donors enrolled in the study was 36.3±9.9years. Majority of the donors were vegetarian, non-alcoholic, non-smokers, and had a pre-donation hemoglobin level of more than 14g/dl. The mean pre-donation Hb of the donors was 14.8±1.5g/dl. There was a strong positive correlation of donor pre-donation hemoglobin with total Hb (r=1.000, p=0.000), actual Hb (r=0.518, p=0.000) and mathematical hemoglobin (r=0.951, p=0.000) using the Pearson correlation test. A strong positive correlation was observed between the total and actual hemoglobin (r=0.518, p=0.000) of the units. There was no association of other donor characteristics with Hb content of leukoreduced PRBC. Donor pre-donation hemoglobin showed a strong positive correlation with the actual hemoglobin content of leukoreduced packed red blood cells.

Association of blood donor characteristics and in vitro haemolysis of packed red blood cell concentrates during storage.

Blood donor variability can affect the storage properties of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). This study aimed to determine the association of donor characteristics with in vitro storage haemolysis of PRBCs. In the prospective observational study, a total of 109 whole blood donors were enrolled using the purposive sampling method. A pre-donation sample was collected for haemoglobin (Hb) and serum uric acid (UA) levels. PRBC aliquots were tested for potassium, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Hb, haematocrit, plasma Hb and haemolysis on days 1, 21 and 35 of storage. The association of these parameters with donor age, sex, donation status, dietary pattern and body mass index was determined. Mean haemolysis was significantly higher in PRBCs from donors with UA levels ≤6 mg/dL than donors with UA levels >6 mg/dL on day 35 of storage (0.22 ± 0.11 vs. 0.18 ± 0.07, p = 0.03). Median plasma Hb (mg/L) was significantly higher in PRBCs from first-time donors on day 21 (586 vs. 509, p = 0.05) and day 35 (1507 vs. 1358, p = 0.02) of storage in comparison to frequent donors. Significantly higher mean potassium (p = 0.04 day 1; p = 0.02 day 21) and median LDH values (p = 0.02 day 1, p = 0.05 day 21) were observed in PRBCs from male donors. A statistically significant positive association was observed between donor UA and LDH levels of PRBCs on day 35 of storage (β coefficient: 715.52, p-value: 0.003) on multiple regression analysis. In vitro haemolysis of PRBCs is affected by blood donor characteristics.

Association of blood donor characteristics with in vitro platelet storage properties

Background and objectiveThe study was planned to determine the association of blood donor characteristics with in vitro quality of platelets. Material and methodsIn the prospective observational study, a total of 85 male whole blood donors in the age group of 18–30 and 45–65 years were enrolled using purposive sampling method. Serum total cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and LDH levels were performed on donor pre-donation sample. Buffy coat platelet concentrates were prepared from 450 mL quadruple blood bags. Samples from platelets were taken on day one and five of storage and biochemical properties were observed. ResultsMedian MPV was higher in platelets from older blood donors on day five (9.8 vs 9.4, p = 0.037). Median LDH levels were also higher in platelets on day one and five from older donors (Day one: 204.5 vs 147, p = <0.000; day five: 278 vs 224, p = 0.001 respectively). Platelets from donors with high HbA1c levels had lower median pH (Day one: 7.31 vs 7.37, p = 0.024) and higher median glucose levels on day one of storage (Day one: 358 vs 311, p = 0.001). Higher median lactate levels throughout the storage period were also seen in platelets from donors with higher HbA1c levels (Day one: 7 vs 5.7, p = 0.037; Day five: 16 vs 12.2, p = 0.032). Glucose consumption (108 vs 66, p = 0.025) and lactate production (9 vs 6.4, p = 0.019) was higher in platelets from donors with higher HbA1c levels. ConclusionIn vitro platelet storage properties are affected by blood donor characteristics.

Analysis of blood donors’ characteristics during third-peak COVID-19 in Bojonegoro Regency, Indonesia

The third peak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Indonesia was recorded on February-March 2022 had an impact on voluntary blood donors at the Indonesian Red Cross (IRCS) Bojonegoro. The objective of this research was to analyze the blood donors’ characteristics during third-peak COVID-19 in Bojonegoro Regency. This research was descriptive analysis study using secondary blood donor data from February 22, 2022 to March 19, 2022 at IRCS Bojonegoro. The data was collected in donor selection process accordance the Indonesian and WHO blood donor selection guidelines. The average number per daily blood donors was tested using the Mann-Whitney-U test using IBM SPSS type 23 software with significancy p&lt;0.05. The results showed there were 219 people (80.51%) on 22-28 February and 332 people (83.63%) on 1-19 March 2022 who approved to donate at IRCS Bojonegoro. There was a significant decrease in the average of daily male blood donors (p=0.01), average age group: 17-24 years (p=0.013), 35-44 years (p=0.002), and 45-54 years (p=0.030), hemoglobin (Hbl) levels on 16.1-17 g/dL (p=0.000), systolic blood pressure (SBP) &lt;120 (p=0.03) and 130-139 (p= 0.02) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) &lt;80 (p=0.001), pulse rate (PR) 65-74 beats/minute (p=0.016), and blood type O+ (p=0.008). The characteristics of blood donors at the third peak of COVID-19 in Bojonegoro Regency decreased significantly in the number of male blood donors, age group, SBP, DBP, PR, and O+ blood type.

A study on blood donor characteristics and preferred environment of South Koreans during the COVID-19 pandemic: A conjoint analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a decrease in the number of blood donors worldwide, posing a global problem. Therefore, this study investigates people who have continuously participated in blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic and collects basic information as a reference for maintaining stable amounts of blood during future pandemics. The participants of this study were selected from the population of South Korea through stratified sampling considering region and age distributions. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the participants were recruited online through Embrain, an online research and survey company, from June 1 to June 28, 2021. Data were collected from a total of 1,043 participants and used in the study. The results of this study showed that there was a difference between the donors group and non-donors group in factors such as donation attitude (F = 73.342, p < 0.001), donation knowledge (F = 6.530, p < 0.01), and preventive health behavior (F = 12.352, p < 0.001). Overall, blood donors showed favorable attitude toward and considerable knowledge of blood donation as well as a high level of preventive health behavior. The environment most preferred by people who participated in blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic was "going with family to a blood donation center that gives out free gifts in a region far away with no confirmed cases," which showed the highest utility (utility = 0.734). Even during pandemics, donation attitude, donation knowledge, and preventive health behavior can serve as key factors affecting participation in blood donation. Additionally, blood donation centers that donors can visit with their families represent a favorable environment for the promotion of blood donation during pandemics.

The impact of biological age of red blood cell on in vitro endothelial activation markers.

Introduction: Blood donor characteristics influence red blood cell transfusion outcomes. As donor sex affects the distribution of young to old RBCs in the circulation, we hypothesized that the amount of circulating young RBCs in the blood product are associated with immune suppression. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from healthy volunteers and density fractionated into young and old subpopulations. In an activated endothelial cell model, RBC adhesion to endothelium and secretion of endothelial activation markers were assessed. The impact of RBC biological age was also assessed in a T cell proliferation assay and in a whole blood stimulation assay. Results: After Percoll fractionation, young RBCs contained more reticulocytes compared to old RBCs. Young RBCs associated with lower levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and vWF from activated endothelial cells compared to old RBCs. RBC subpopulations did not affect T cell proliferation or cytokine responses following whole blood stimulation. Conclusion: Young RBCs contain more reticulocytes which are associated with lower levels of endothelial activation markers compared to old RBCs.

Demographic Factors Among HIV Confirmed Blood Donors from 2013 to 2021 in Shenzhen.

New HIV (Human immune deficiency virus) infections are continuously increasing in China and it remains a huge challenge to blood donation.As access to health services has affected by COVID-19 (Corona virus disease 2019) pandemic, a drop in new diagnoses (especially HIV) was observed worldwide. During 2013-2021, 735,247 specimens from unpaid blood donors collected by Shenzhen Blood Center underwent ELISA (Enzyme -linked immunosorbent assay) and NAT (Nucleic acid test). Samples with reactivity results were sent to the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention for WB (Western blot). All data were statistically analyzed by the Chi-Square test. From 2013 to 2021, the prevalence of HIV among male blood donors was higher than in females (P < 0.01). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of HIV among repeat blood donors decreased significantly compared to 2019 (P < 0.05), and the characteristics of blood donors changed in 2020 compared to 2019 and 2021. The high proportion of female blood donors would help prevent HIV from getting into the blood supply. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the demographics of blood donors as well as the prevalence of HIV among repeat blood donors. An increased number of repeat blood donors can help decrease the risk of HIV transfusion transmission during the epidemic.

Application of transcriptome in time analysis and donor characterization in blood samples.

As an effective supplement to the current forensic DNA typing and one of the research hotpots in forensic science, the in-depth mining and characterization of biological evidence can provide rich and reliable clues for case investigation. In this study, the time-dependent variations of transcriptome were confirmed in in vitro blood samples within 0-168 days and a random forest model was established to realize the classification of blood samples with different TSD (time since deposition). Meanwhile, significant differences were observed in the transcripts of blood samples with different smoking habits and genders within a certain time period. HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DQA2 were identified as markers for smoking habit identification, while the transcripts for RPS4Y1 and EIF1AY from the non-recombining region of the Y chromosome (NRY) were identified as markers for male sex identification. Thus, this study provides a theoretical foundation and experimental strategy for establishing a transcriptome-based method for characterizing blood sample retention time and donor characteristics in the field of forensic investigation.

The Impact of Digital Transformation on Blood Donation and Donor Characteristics

Introduction: The management of an adequate donor pool is a constant and challenging task for blood centers in order to provide blood supply. New methods are required to streamline processes and attract (new) donors on a sustained basis. We present a digitalization method without media disruption and show the impact on our donors and their behavior. Methods: We designed and created a blood donation app that is fully compliant to all regulations and conforms to donor expectations. The presented digitalization serves the donor from preparation before the donation (health questionnaire) until completion of laboratory testing (medical report). Many other features are included and continuously attract donors to engage with the blood donation topic. Results: Eighteen months after the launch of our app, there are already 45,000 users. The digital questionnaire reduced the number of deferrals by 31.9% compared to the conventional paper questionnaire. Digital adopters show a significantly shorter donation interval (193 days compared to 316 days). In-app incentives include identification card, rapid laboratory testing results (time-to-results are two business days for 95%), and collection of badges among others. Conclusion: The presented method has changed our donor pool. Besides that, medical staff benefits from the automated process that allows focusing on the donor and their admission. On the other hand, the app has become a valid tool to manage our donor pool and attract first-time and young donors.

Blood donation in China from 2017 to 2021: A cross-sectional study

Objective: The objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine the essential demographic characteristics of blood donors in China from 2017 to 2021 and to analyze the impact of various factors on blood donation in China, including the blood donor’s attitudes towards family replacement/mutual blood donation (FRMBD) and the effects of policy changes on blood donation. Design: This study is a cross-sectional review comparing the demographic characteristics of blood donors from 2017 to 2021. Setting and participants: The study included 1164 participants who were randomly sampled across China. The data were collected by trained staff and entered into a standard electronic data framework. Results: The number of blood donations observed in China generally increased from 2017 to 2021. Among the 1164 respondents, 785 were non-blood donors and 379 were blood donors. Most people’s awareness of blood donation comes from organizations. Univariate analysis showed significant relationships between being a blood donor and being aged 30 or above ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), being a doctor ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), having Ph.D. degrees ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), or being familiar with blood donation policy ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). There was no significant difference in recognition between family FRMBD and voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRBD). The study also investigated the impact of canceling FRMBD blood donation policies on the selection of blood donation methods. The results showed that the percentage of VNRBD was 57% and 41% in 2017 and 2021, respectively. This indicates that canceling FRMBD policies will not affect people’s choice for blood donation methods. Conclusions: The results of the univariate analysis showed that people over 30 years of age, those with a Ph.D. or postgraduate degree, and those with knowledge of blood donation policies were more likely to be blood donors. People’s reasons for banning the abolition of FRMBD may be due to the fact that it may not be possible to achieve an adequate supply of blood only through VNRBD. Through comparing the data of 2017 and 2021, it is found that the cancellation of the FRMBD blood donation policy will not have an impact on people’s blood donation ways, and most people agree to cancel the FRMBD. Strengths and limitations of this study Strengths: This study analyzed factors related to decisions about blood donation in various regions of China. For the first time, we analyzed changes in perceptions of blood donation and donation rates before and after the abolition of FRMBD. • This survey did not record changes in the dynamics of the number of blood donations counted over consecutive years. • The individual donor factors such as gender and regional differences in blood donation awareness and facilities, which contribute to regional differences in people’s blood donation behavior, were not investigated.