Regular Blood Donors Research Articles

Longitudinal Analysis of Binding Antibody Levels Against 39 Human Adenovirus Types in Sera from 60 Regular Blood Donors from Greifswald, Germany, over 5 Years from 2018 to 2022

Adenoviruses are important human pathogens that are widespread and mainly associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. In a previous study on human adenovirus (HAdV) seroprevalence, we observed reduced binding antibody levels against a range of HAdV types in sera collected from students in 2021 compared to sera collected before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In this follow-up study, we wanted to verify this observation in a cohort of regular blood donors for whom serial samples were available. Therefore, HAdV-specific binding antibody levels were analyzed in sera collected over a 5-year period from 2018 to 2022 in a cohort of 60 regular donors to the blood bank of the University Hospital in Greifswald, Germany. Using ELISA-based assays, we quantified the binding antibody responses against 39 HAdV types. On the cohort level, we found largely stable antibody levels over the analyzed time period, with the highest antibody responses against HAdV-C1, -D25, -D26, -E4, -D10, -D27, -C5, -D75, -C2, and -C6. Only minor but significant reductions in comparison to the first serum samples from 2018 were detected for antibody levels in 2021 and 2022 against the low-prevalent types HAdV-A31, -D8, -D20, -D37, -D65, and -D69. On the other hand, we detected fluctuations in antibody levels on the individual level, with strong increases in antibody levels indicative of novel antigen contact. Interestingly, we frequently found simultaneous changes in antibody responses against multiple HAdV types, resulting in strong correlations of antibody responses against distinct clusters of HAdVs suggesting extensive cross-reactivity of HAdV-specific antibodies. To our knowledge, this is the first study of antibodies against a broad range of HAdV types in serum samples collected from a cohort of individuals over a prolonged period, and our data provide important insight into the long-term stability of HAdV-specific antibody levels. In this cohort of regular blood donors, we did not observe any major impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on HAdV immunity. Correlations of changes in antibody levels against different types indicate cross-reactivity of HAdV-specific antibodies that are important to consider for HAdV vector development. Our data also reveal possible candidates for future development of HAdV-based vectors.

Community screening for iron deficiency in reproductive aged women: Lessons learnt from Australia.

Reproductive-aged women are at an increased risk of developing iron deficiency (ID). We aimed to develop a non-invasive screening tool to identify ID in women and assess the acceptability of screening. We screened women (age 18-49 years) in the community of Western Australia. acceptability of screening, assessed by the feasibility of recruiting the required sample size (n = 323). Hand grip strength, finger prick haemoglobin concentration (Hb), prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), diet, pregnancy history, blood donation, symptoms of ID and history of ID or anaemia (Hb < 120 g/L). Those with Hb <130 g/L and no history of iron therapy in the past 2 years were given referrals for venous full blood count and ferritin sampling. Across 5 days, we recruited 640 eligible women. Of which, 178 (28%) had HMB and 79 (12%) were anaemic. Mean age was 33.5 ± 9.2 years, and mean Hb was 132.4 ± 11.9 g/L. In the past 2 years: 335 (52%) were diagnosed with ID or anaemia; 322 (50%) had taken oral iron; and 210 (33%) had an intravenous iron infusion. Vegetarian diets were followed by 89 (14%); 40 (6%) were regular blood donors; 290 (45%) had a previous pregnancy. HMB increased the risk of symptoms of ID and having prior ID/anaemia diagnosis (67% vs. 47%) or treatment (p < 0.022). Hand grip strength showed a positive relationship with both Hb (adjusted R2 = 0.012, p = 0.004) and ferritin (adjusted R2 = 0.135, p = 0.005). ID screening was well accepted by women in the community, with high recruitment rates over a short period. Future screening tool development may consider incorporating hand grip strength and HMB assessment.

Iron supplementation post-blood donation in Vietnam: Impact on hemoglobin, red cell indices, and iron reserves

Background. Regular blood donation plays a pivotal role in mitigating the formation of free radicals by regulating iron accumulation. However, frequent blood donation can lead to chronic iron deficiency. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of daily iron supplementation as an intervention to expedite hemoglobin (Hb) recovery among frequent blood donors at a hospital in Vietnam. Methodology. Conducted longitudinally within the Hematology Department of a Hanoi hospital from February to July 2023, our study involved 104 eligible participants. They received a daily iron supplement comprising 100 mg of elemental iron, 0.75 mg of folic acid, and 5 mg of zinc sulfate for a minimum of 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at three key time points: before blood donation during recruitment, immediately after donation, and at least 8 weeks post-donation. Results. Our findings revealed moderate, statistically significant positive correlations between elemental iron administration and changes in platelet count (PLT), hematocrit (HCT), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (r = 0.753, p &lt;0.001; r = 0.887, p &lt;0.001; and r = 0.703, p &lt;0.001, respectively). Additionally, weak but significant correlations were observed between elemental iron administration and red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width coefficient of variation (RDWC), and red cell distribution width standard deviation (RDWS) (r = 0.260, p = 0.002; r = 0.302, p = 0.005; r = 0.160, p = 0.010; r = 0.120, p = 0.020; and r = 0.400, p &lt;0.001, respectively). Conclusion. Over an eight-week duration, the regimen of daily iron supplementation yielded significant improvements in both red cell variables, red cell indices, and iron study variables, demonstrating its potential clinical impact.

Regular whole blood donation and gastrointestinal, breast, colorectal and haematological cancer risk among blood donors in Australia

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSeveral 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).Materials and MethodsWe 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.ResultsWe 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.ConclusionAfter 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.

Evaluating utility of routine ferritin testing in blood donors: A hospital-based blood donor centre experience.

Iron deficiency (ID) poses a prevalent concern among blood donors, especially impacting young donors, premenopausal females and frequent donors. In alignment with recommendations to address ID, routine ferritin testing was implemented in a hospital-based donor centre. Data set, encompassing 26 164 ferritin values from 16 464 blood donors over 33 months, were analysed retrospectively. Ferritin levels were assessed concerning donor characteristics such as sex, age, ethnicity and donation frequency. Ferritin testing revealed age, sex and ethnicity variations, emphasising the heightened risk of ID in young females meeting all donation criteria under 23 year of age who demonstrated the lowest mean baseline ferritin (41% [CI: 34%-48%] < 26 ng/mL; 20% [CI: 14%-25%] < 15 ng/mL). Postmenopausal females exhibited ferritin levels similar to similarly aged males. Irrespective of sex, donors showcased mean ferritin recovery within 6 months. Analysis of ferritin recovery post-donation showed a five-fold increase in risk (compared with first visit) of ID when donors return at a 2-month interval. 'Regular' donors (≥10 visits) approach a median steady ferritin level (~30-35 ng/mL) by the sixth visit. As reliance on regular blood donors increases, donation policies must strike a balance between blood centre resources and the risks posed to both regular and at-risk donors. Frequent blood donation led to donors attaining a mean steady state ferritin level above the threshold for ID. At-risk groups, particularly premenopausal females, were several times more likely to experience ID after donation but demonstrated recovery rates similar to their group's baseline levels. This valuable information informed the development of new donor deferral policies.

Analysis of The Results of The Rhesus System Blood Group Phenotyping Examination in Routine Type O Blood Donors

The Rhesus (Rh) system is the second most important blood group system after ABO, has the highest immunogenicity and tends to produce alloantibodies that cause most transfusion reactions. In the Rh blood group system, there are more than 55 antigens, but the main ones are D, C, E, c, and e. Currently, only the D antigen is carried out without examining four other important Rh antigens. Still scarce, studies on the proportion of Rh antigens, except D, in Indonesia; in this study we have determined Rh antigens and phenotypes among a population of routine blood donors. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenotypic variation and frequency distribution of the main antigens of the Rhesus blood group system in routine blood type O blood donors at UDD PMI Depok City. This study was descriptive and observational with a cross-sectional design. Primary data are obtained from the Rhesus system antigen examination results on donor blood samples. The sample was 140 blood samples from 140 routine donors. A rhesus phenotyping examination was carried out using the gel method. The study was conducted on 140 routine donor blood samples at UDD PMI Depok City. The characteristics of the subjects were male (69.29%) and female (30.71%), with an average age of 38 years. Samples are analyzed for five major Rhesus antigens. Rhesus antigen test shows D antigen (100%), e antigen (97.14%), C antigen (95.71%), c antigen (36.43%) and E antigen (27.86%). Rhesus phenotype results were R1R1 (DCe/Dce) (62.86%), R1R2 (DCe/DcE) (22.86%), R1r (DCe/dce) (9.29%), R2R2 (DcE/DcE) (2.86%), R2r (DcE/dce) (1.43%), and R1RZ (DCe/DCE) (0.71%). In conclusion, the frequency of phenotypic changes in the Rh blood group system of regular blood donors at UDD PMI Depok City is classified as the most common types: DCe/DCe, DCe/DcE, DCe/dce, DcE/DcE, DcE/dce and DCe/DCE.

Donor knowledge and perceptions regarding donation-induced iron depletion and iron supplementation as a blood service policy.

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. 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. 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. 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.

Sonographic Evaluation of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Iron Status of Regular and First-Time Blood Donors in a Tertiary Hospital in South-West Nigeria

Sonographic Evaluation of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Iron Status of Regular and First-Time Blood Donors in a Tertiary Hospital in South-West Nigeria

Blood Group Variations in COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma and Regular Blood Donors: A Comparative Analysis in the Serbian Population.

This research explores the association between ABO blood groups and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, analyzing Convalescent COVID-19 plasma (CCP) donors (n = 500) and healthy whole blood donors (BDs) (n = 9678) during the pandemic (1 May 2020 to 30 April 2021). A comparison is made with pre-pandemic BDs (n = 11,892) from 1 May 2018 to 30 April 2019. Significant differences in blood group distribution are observed, with blood group A individuals being three times more likely to be CCP donors. Conversely, blood groups B, O, and AB are less associated with CCP donation. Notably, blood group O is more prevalent among regular BDs, suggesting potential resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study underscores variations in blood group distribution during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic periods. The findings support previous research indicating a link between blood group antigens and viral susceptibility, including SARS-CoV-2. Understanding these associations has implications for public health strategies, with potential for predicting COVID-19 outcomes and transmission patterns. Further research is crucial to explore molecular and immunological mechanisms, providing valuable insights for targeted preventive strategies and personalized healthcare in managing the impact of COVID-19.

Evaluating the effectiveness of three communication modes in promoting repeat voluntary donation behavior in first-time blood donors at a tertiary care blood center in North India

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Due to rapid technological advancements, several new methods such as telephone (TP), e-mail, social media, WhatsApp (WA), and Short Message Services are being used as effectively among blood centers worldwide for postdonation communication with blood donors’ education and motivation to recruit and retain them as repeat and regular voluntary nonremunerated blood donors. The present study was aimed at determining the effectiveness of WA, TP, and personal communications (PCs) as modes of communication to recruit and retain first-time replacement blood donors to become repeat and regular voluntary blood donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This 1-year observational prospective study was conducted in the Post Graduate Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion in Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu. Three hundred first-time blood donors selected for the study were divided into three groups comprising 100 blood donors each as per the mode of communication strategy adopted, namely postdonation PC, TP, and WA groups. RESULTS: The repeat donation rate was highest in the TP group (61%), followed by the WA group (47%) and PC group (37%). The mean repeat donation was found to be significant in the TP group (P = 0.007) and WA group (P = 0.021) as compared PC group while there was no significant difference between the TP group and WA groups (0.751). CONCLUSION: In our study, it was found that of the three communication modes, namely personal, TP, and WA, telephonic communication with a repeat donation rate of 61% was the most effective mode of communication in for motivating and converting first-time blood donors into repeat regular voluntary blood donors.

Iron status in Dutch and Finnish blood donor and general populations: A cross-cohort comparison study.

Blood donors are at risk of developing iron deficiency (ID) (ferritin <15 μg/L, World Health Organization definition). Blood services implement different strategies to mitigate this risk. Although in Finland risk group-based iron supplementation is in place, no iron supplementation is provided in the Netherlands. We aim to describe differences in ferritin levels and ID prevalence in donor and general populations in these countries. Six cohorts, stratified based on sex, and for women age, in the Netherlands and Finland were used to evaluate differences in ferritin levels and ID between donor populations (Donor InSight-III and FinDonor 10,000) and general populations (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease [PREVEND], FinRisk 1997 and Health 2000) and newly registered Dutch donors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to quantify associations of various explanatory factors with ID. In total, 13,443 Dutch and 13,933 Finnish subjects were included. Donors, except for women aged ≤50 years old in Finland, had lower median ferritin levels compared with the general population and new donors. Dutch regular blood donors had higher or similar prevalence of ID as compared with the Dutch general population, including new donors. In contrast, Finnish donors showed similar prevalence of ID compared with the general population, except for a markedly lower prevalence in ≤50-year-old women who routinely receive iron supplements when donating. Iron status in blood donors differs from that in the general population. The Finnish blood service donor management policy, for example, iron supplementation for risk groups, seemingly protects young female blood donors from developing ID.

Understanding the Motives and Intention of Blood Donation during the Pandemic

INTRODUCTION: In every country, an adequate and reliable blood supply can be assured by a stable base of regular, voluntary, and unpaid blood donors. However, with the strike of COVID-19 around the world, fewer donors have come forward to donate blood since the government's movement control order. Therefore, to ensure the blood supply is always sufficient, this study discussed the Malaysians' motivation and intention to donate blood during the COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The structural focus group discussion was conducted among nine informants. The informants are classified into four groups, which are non, first-time, regular, and lapsed (repeated/occasional) blood donors. RESULTS: It indicated that the regular and lapsed group of blood donors were motivated by the satisfaction of donating blood. Meanwhile, first-time donors are motivated to donate blood because of extrinsic rewards. However, the donors attested that the movement control order restricted their movement to go to the blood transfusion center. On the other hand, the non-donor group admitted that they do intend to donate blood. Still, several factors such as work commitment, location, and fear of being infected by COVID-19, hold them from doing so. CONCLUSIONS: These findings will serve as insights for future blood donation disruption remediation, especially during unexpected situations, as well as the success of the Malaysian blood campaign.

Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Voluntary Blood Donors in the Russian Federation.

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

Optimizing the Blood Donation App with Gamification Using User-Centered Design

In today's digital era, motivating the younger generation to participate in routine voluntary blood donations is a significant challenge in the health sector. This research aimed to develop a gamified application called Gamified Blood Donation (G-BlooD), designed using the User Centered Design methodology. This application integrates gamification into the blood donation process, with features including donor location information, available blood stock data, and individual donation history. Using gamification elements such as challenges, ranking boards, and emblems enhanced user interactivity and motivation. Evaluation of G-BlooD demonstrated its effectiveness in achieving this goal; it scored 75 (Grade B) on the System Usability Scale (SUS), indicating good usability, while an average total index calculation from all responses on the Likert scale of 84.125% underscored its success in motivating younger generations towards regular blood donations. These results suggest combining digital technology with gamification can encourage recurring voluntary blood donation among younger generations. This research opens avenues for further exploration into leveraging digital technology to address other public health concerns.

Impact of Regular Blood Donation on Body Iron Stores at Saudi Blood Donors

Impact of Regular Blood Donation on Body Iron Stores at Saudi Blood Donors

The influence of demographic and lifestyle factors on blood donation delay among student population: a retrospective study.

This study analysed blood donation deferral trends, reasons and demographic/lifestyle characteristics among students in Huzhou City. The aim was to understand the health status of students and reduce the deferral rate. Data on blood donation deferral among students in Huzhou City from 2018 to 2022 were collected and analysed. Deferral trends and main reasons were investigated. Using demographic and lifestyle data from 2,619 cases in 2022, a risk prediction model for deferral was constructed. The deferral rate among students in Huzhou City from 2018 to 2022 was 12.60% (p = 0.000, 95%CI: 12.14-13.06%), showing a significant increasing trend. Temporary deferral was the main reason, with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood pressure (BP) and haemoglobin (Hb) as the main deferral factors. ALT had a deferral rate of 5.23% (4.92-5.53%), BP 3.30% (3.06-3.55%), and Hb 2.92% (2.68-3.15%). Demographic and lifestyle characteristics in 2022 showed no significant differences between education level, household registration and deferral rate (p > 0.05). However, age, sex, blood donation history, sleep quality, diet and mental state had variable effects on ALT, BP, and Hb deferrals (p < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that sex, blood donation history, sleep quality, diet and mental status were independent risk factors for ALT deferral (p < 0.05), with odds ratios (ORs) of 5.057, 2.735, 1.594, 3.679, and 1.957, respectively. Age, blood donation history, sleep quality and mental state were independent risk factors for BP deferral (p < 0.05), with ORs of 0.256, 3.658, 6.042, and 1.812, respectively. Gender, blood donation history and diet were independent risk factors for Hb deferral (p < 0.05), with ORs of 0.244, 0.542, and 3.103, respectively. Students' health problems require attention. Effective health education should improve self-health management and pre-donation health behaviour to encourage regular blood donation.

Study of iron deficiency in a population of blood donors in Tlemcen - Algeria

Blood transfusion is an essential substitutive therapy for multiple diseases. To minimize a potential risk of transfusion-transmitted infections, the WHO recommends using regular blood donors. However, regular donors constitute a population at risk of anaemia due to subclinical iron deficiency which is not covered by most hemovigilance donor systems. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of the deficiency among donors from Tlemcen, Algeria. These donors were selected to perform a blood count and a dosage of ferritinemia. Statistical analyses using SPSS software, and Excel was performed. The prevalence of iron deficiency was calculated at 35.2% and anaemia at 22%. Ferritinemia was strongly related to the different characteristics of the donation, mainly in women population. Hemovigilance systems should integrate blood donor safety focus their efforts on protection against iron deficiency. Unlike Haemoglobin, serum ferritin remains the most sensitive and early marker for donor protection against this deficiency.

Clinically significant minor blood group antigens amongst South Indian donor population

Background and objectives: Distribution of blood group antigen varies among different races. It is important to know the distribution of these antigens so as to provide a donor database that aid in providing compatible blood units for patients with multiple alloantibodies. The present study was conducted to determine the distribution of clinically significant minor blood group antigens amongst the South Indian blood donors. Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected from healthy regular repeat voluntary blood donors of same ethnicity attending a tertiary care hospital in South Kerala. Clinically significant blood antigens of the ABO, Rh (D, C, c, E, and e), Kell, Duffy and Kidd blood group systems were determined. The ABO and Rh(D) grouping were performed by tube technique using monoclonal antisera. Column agglutination technique was used to phenotype Rh, Kell, Duffy and Kidd antigens. Results: Total 200 healthy repeat voluntary blood donors were enrolled in the study. Out of 200 donors, 92% were RhD positive. Among the Rh antigens, the e antigen was positive in 97.8 % and 100% among the Rh(D) positive and Rh(D) negative donors respectively. No E antigen was detected in RhD negative donors. Total 6 and 2 Rh phenotypes were observed among the Rh(D) positive and negative donors respectively. R1R1 and Rr were the most frequent phenotypes among the RhD positive and negative donors (47.28% and 93.75%) respectively. Among the Kell blood group antigens, K and Kpb antigens were present in 100% of our donors while in Duffy and Kidd system Fya and Jka were most predominant (89% and 87%) respectively. Conclusions: The findings of the present study would be helpful in developing in-house panel cells. Moreover, a rare donor registry of donors typed negative for a high-frequency antigen can be formulated. IMC J Med Sci. 2024; 18(1):004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.18.004 *Correspondence: Soonam John, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Government Medical College, Parippally, Kollam, Kerala,India. Email: johnsoonam@gmail.com

Asymptomatic carrier of Babesia spp. among blood donors - epidemiological situation in Poland.

Babesiosis is caused by one of several Babesia species. In Europe, B. divergens predominates in humans, while in North America it is B. microti. Babesia spp. infection in donors with a disease-free course of infection can be a major problem in blood recipients. A recipient with impaired immune system functions is at risk of full-blown development of the disease. In Poland and in most countries of the world, blood donors are not routinely tested for Babesia spp. infection. In our previous study, we detected Babesia venatorum DNA in blood donors, which was the reason for expanding the study to include more test subjects. The aim of this study was an attempt at estimating the prevalence of asymptomatic infection with Babesia spp. among blood donors from the Regional Centres for Blood Donation and Blood Treatment in Warsaw and Wrocław. The material for the study was whole blood from regular blood donors from two Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Blood Treatment in Warsaw and Wrocław. Whole blood samples from 1,067 blood donors collected in June-July 2022 were analyzed. Blood collected directly from the donor during the blood donation procedure. All persons qualified by a doctor as a donor were selected for the study, regardless of age and sex. All subjects were informed in detail about the purpose of the study and gave their written consent. Isolation was made by using the Chelex 100 chelating resin, followed by the studying of the genetic material using the qPCR reaction. The results were analysed based on the amplification curve. The protozoan Babesia spp. was not detected in the blood samples. The risk of blood-borne babesiosis is extremely low in Poland.

Assessment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Preparing Hygienic Condition in the Blood Donation Centers during the Outbreak of COVID-19.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has led to an alteration in hygienic conditions. In this situation, improving standard operating procedures (SOPs) in blood donation centers is critical. The purpose of this study was the assessment of SOPs in the blood donation centers during the outbreak of COVID-19 by regular blood donors as external audits. Materials and Methods: Regular donors were selected as external inspectors in 31 provinces of Iran. The questionnaire containing 10 closed questions was provided to assess the hygienic SOPs of blood transfusion centers in the prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Comparison and evaluation of questionnaires were conducted by assigning an importance coefficient (IC) score to each question. Results: Assessment of SOPs in blood donation departments by regular donors in 31 provinces of Iran showed that 18 centers (58.1%) received IC scores >10(Strong performance), seven centers (22.6%) received the range of IC scores between7-10(acceptable performance), and six centers (19.4%) received IC scores <7(poor performance). The difference in IC scores between provinces was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study confirms that the assessment of blood donation centers through regular blood donor inspection is a reliable method to identify the strengths and weaknesses of blood transfusion center services and ultimately leads to corrective intervention and improvement of hygienic SOPs to prevent COVID-19 transmission.