Safety Of Blood Supply Research Articles

Socio-demographic characteristics of blood donors from the Varna region

Blood transfusion continues to play an important role in modern healthcare. In order to meet the need for a safe and efficient blood supply, it is essential not only to retain regular donors, but also to constantly recruit new donors. The aim of the present study is to profile the blood donor in the Varna region based on the socio-demographic characteristics. Material and methods: Through an anonymous survey and after filling in an informed consent, 3000 blood donors who passed through the RCTH - Varna were examined. Blood donors were examined according to age, sex, education, sequence of blood donation and blood donation by family members. The results were statistically processed with SPSS v. 20.0, using variation, comparison and correlation analyzes. Results: According to the obtained data and the results of the literature, it can be said that the universal blood donor is a male at a young age up to 24 years with secondary education. If a gender profile is made, it can be said that male blood donors are mostly young up to 24 years of age with lower education (primary or secondary), while female blood donors are in the age group over 30 years with higher education. Characteristic of all is that a positive example of blood donation in the family is an important factor in attracting regular blood donors. Conclusion: The results of the present study show that the socio-demographic factors that are most strongly associated with blood donation are age and education, with personal example of blood donation in the family being a behavioral factor, but with a major role in retaining regular blood donors.

A Pilot Study on Presence of SARS-CoV-2-RNA in Iranian Blood Donors

Background: With the rapidly increasing incidence of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in plasma, blood supply safety has become a main concern. Objectives: Due to some reports on the detection of RNAemia in SARS-CoV-2-infected blood donors, this study examined the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in asymptomatic blood donors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, about 400 blood donors from the Tehran Blood Transfusion Center with negative results for viral serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were included in the study. Moreover, all samples were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (IgG) to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in blood donors was identified by targeting RNA-dependent, RNA polymerase (RdRp), and N (nucleocapsid protein) genes using Real-Time PCR. Furthermore, the RNase P gene was used as an internal control. Results: The SARS-CoV-2 ELISA test showed that 60 (15%) of blood donors had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, and 340 (85%) of the participants have not been exposed to the virus. The cycle threshold (Ct) for positive control in the RT-PCR test for nucleocapsid (N) and RdRP SARS-CoV-2 genes was < 40 (CT = 20.37). Moreover, internal control (RNase P gene) in all samples had Ct < 40. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the blood sample of none of the blood donors. In this regard, there has been no report of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to blood recipients yet. Conclusions: The blood-borne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 seems to be highly unlikely, and coronavirus RNA screening is unnecessary among blood donors. Preventive measures should be adopted to reduce the theoretical risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 by the blood from asymptomatic COVID-19 cases.

Genetic Diversity of HIV-1 and Transfusion Safety : Systematic Review and Concepts Analysis

Background: The genetic diversity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a real problem facing blood banks. This genetic diversity has a negative impact on diagnostic strategies within the transfusion chain by weakening the security of the donation. The objective of this study is to clarify the concepts emanating from the research project entitled : «Genetic diversity of HIV-1 and its effect on the residual risk in blood transfusion in Gabon».
 Methods: This study was the result of a systematic review and a conceptual analysis of several studies that were systematically searched for in databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline), and whose object was focused on the genetic diversity of HIV -1 and its impact on transfusion safety. Indeed, the information relating to the concepts coming from the full articles was used. These were obtained by reading the most relevant articles. All relevant studies reporting data on HIV-1 genetic diversity and blood safety published in English between January 2012 and December 2020 have been identified for context. The method of conceptual analysis of « Walker and Avant (2005) » was used to clarify the different concepts of our study. The correlation test was used to show the relationship between the concepts.
 Results: This systematic review and conceptual analysis study made it possible to determine the variables and to clarify the different concepts (HIV-1, Genetic diversity, Blood transfusion, Residual risk) essential for carrying out our research project entitled: "Genetic diversity of HIV-1 and its effect on the residual risk in blood transfusion". This model made it possible to show the effect of the genetic diversity of HIV-1 on the residual risk in blood transfusion using as model variables : viral load and serological markers (Antibodies and P24 Antigen). Knowledge of molecular strains (URF, CRF, subtypes) during this study made it possible to better identify the molecular strains most involved in the residual risk. Despite its complexity, this conceptual analysis contributed enormously to the understanding of the activities and the quantifiable and non-quantifiable components that participated in our study. Statistical analysis showed that the HIV-1 concept was significantly related to the other three concepts with P = 0.001. Likewise for the concept of genetic diversity was also significantly linked to the two other concepts with P = 0.003.
 Conclusion: The genetic diversity of HIV-1 in the blood transfusion environment contributes significantly to the transmission of HIV from donor to recipient. The mastery of these molecular strains is essential for the various blood banks to ensure a safe blood supply.

A study to assess the knowledge regarding blood donation among general population attending primary health centre of Dhawa, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Background: Human blood is an essential element of the human life and there is no substitute for it. Blood donation save lives during critical situation but several thousands of patients who need blood transfusion do not receive timely access to safe blood. Today, blood transfusion services constitute a crucial part of any health care delivery system. Adequate and safe supply of blood and blood component is essential.Methods: Present study has been carried out among general population of community attending primary health center. Quantitative research approach was used to assess the knowledge regarding blood donation. Data was collected through self-structured knowledge questionnaire. Sixty samples were selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique.Results: In the study there were 60 subjects, in which male were 33(55%) and female were 27(45%). Ten subjects had excellent knowledge, 21 subjects had good knowledge, 20 subjects had average knowledge and 9 subjects had poor knowledge. Statistically significant association was found between knowledge score and selected demographic variables (i.e., gender and occupation) at p<0.05 level of significance.Conclusions: The study indicates that awareness session on blood donation should be held regularly to improve the knowledge and create positive attitude and remove the misconception among general population about blood donation.

Donor orientation and service quality: Key factors in active blood donors' satisfaction and loyalty.

Faced with the increasing demand for blood and greater restrictions on ensuring the safety of transfusions, voluntary donation is currently the only and best alternative for the health system to have a sustainable and safe blood supply. In this context, one of the primary strategies of blood transfusion centres is to increase the satisfaction of their active donors so that they maintain their intention to donate in the future and, in turn, make the necessary recommendations so that third parties can become new donors. That is why this paper raises a question for research concerning, what should the premises be to guide the management of blood transfusion centres to maintain and even increase the satisfaction and loyalty of their active donors? In order to respond to this issue, a change in paradigm is proposed based on a management model supported by donor orientation and service quality as basic pillars, as well as on the development of a number of key social capital resources that explain this orientation toward the donor. In both approaches, the donor becomes the cornerstone of decision-making, moving away from the traditional model which is focused more on achieving targets related to the collection of blood bags. Through the empirical analysis of a sample of 126 employees from various transfusion centres and 26,833 active donors in nine Spanish autonomous communities, we have been able to validate this proposed management model as a useful tool to blood promotion agents in their decision-making processes.

Awareness about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and challenges for blood services among potential blood donors

BackgroundThe Coronavirus- 19 disease pandemic had a significant impact on the blood supply around the world. Physical distancing measures and many other factors contribute to this impact. Misinformation about methods of disease transmission and lack of knowledge among potential blood donors may contribute to this. AimTo assess the knowledge and awareness of blood donors about COVID-19 as well as their reasons and fears that prevent them from donating blood during this period. MethodsThis is an exploratory; survey based cross sectional study targeting Saudi population. ResultsA total number of 3841 persons responded to the survey; 58 % were between the ages of (31–50) years. Most participants 74.5 % were males. More than 60 % of participants donated blood previously, and many were repeat donors. The majority of participants were concerned about the transmission of the virus during the blood donation process mostly secondary to concerns about contact with other blood donors. ConclusionFear of contracting COVID-19 during donating blood is an important concern for potential blood donors. Blood collection facilities must take optimum precautionary measures to minimize this risk and are encouraged to communicate these efforts to potential donors for reassurance to maintain an adequate and safe blood supply.

Reappraisal of Quality Indicators in the Blood Center of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital - Are We Ready for Accreditation?

Background and Objectives: Ensuring quality in transfusion services has become an essential part of the hospital quality management system to provide safe blood supply to the patients. To assess the overall quality performance of our blood center, this study was conducted to evaluate the five mandatory quality indicators (QI) put forward by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and make recommendations, if any, for improvement of the same. Methods: The five mandatory QIs (defined by NABH) were observed and monitored monthly for a period of 1 year from April 2019 to March 2020, information was gathered in a structured manner, root causes for any deviation were analyzed, and specific corrective and preventive actions were taken. Results: The overall performance was found to be satisfactory with the mean transfusion-transmitted infection % being 1.82%, mean transfusion reaction rate 0.30%, and mean wastage rate 13.5%. The turnaround time was maintained at 28.5 min for emergency cases and 141.38 min for routine. There was no case of component quality control failure during the study period. Conclusion: The study observed that by strictly following the quality parameters put forward by NABH, processes can be controlled in a manner that errors are avoided or kept at minimum. This, in turn, shall help in attaining higher levels of performance. The study concluded by putting forward few important recommendations.

Impact of COVID-19 on Blood Transfusion Services and Strategies Used in Kerala

Background and Objectives: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is creating major disruptions globally at all levels of health care. The novel challenges affecting the efficiency of blood transfusion services range from uncertain patterns of demand for blood components to reductions in the numbers of donations and staffing because of lockdown and quarantine.1 The authors attempt to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on blood transfusion services and the strategies used in the state of Kerala. Methods: A Google Form questionnaire was framed and was sent across all the blood centres in the state of Kerala through e-mail and other social media platforms; taking into account the various strategies taken to ensure a safe blood supply. Results: Only 28% rvesponded. 85% had reduction in blood. 99% had a specific COVID screening questionnaire. 80% had thermal screening and frequent cleaning. 35% used disposable bed sheets and implemented a token/prior appointment system. Only 10% conducted donation camps. 76% had shortage of staff due to lockdown. 90% had a shift system in the form of work arrangement. 35% were not provided PPE as they had shortage. 57% had a reduction in their salary. Only 7% blood centres faced shortage in consumables. 23% had an increased wastage in blood components and a few reagents. Only 7.5% of the centres were involved in CCP collection. 99% of the blood centres were willing to be part of CCP collection if the need arises. Conclusion: The BTS is responsible to provide an uninterrupted blood supply and it requires coordination at every level. Staff safety in the form of PPE and security in the form of salary should not be deprived of as health-care workers are the main pillars in the fight against COVID-19. The BTS in Kerala responded to the pandemic by strictly following the NBTC guidelines. When the need arises, the infrastructure at various blood centres has to be utilized so that the treatment outcomes of COVID-19 are also improved.

Has the trend of declining blood transfusions in the United States ended? Findings of the 2019 National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey.

Previous iterations of National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey (NBCUS) have demonstrated declines in blood collection and transfusion in the United States since 2008, including declines of 3.0% and 6.1% in red blood cell (RBC) collections and transfusions between 2015 and 2017, respectively. This study describes results of the 2019 NBCUS. The survey was distributed to all US blood collection centers, all hospitals performing ≥1000 surgeries annually, and a 40% random sample of hospitals performing 100-999 surgeries annually. Weighting and imputation were used to generate national estimates for units of blood and components collected, distributed, transfused, and outdated. In 2019, 11,590,000 RBC units were collected (95% confidence interval [CI], 11,151,000-12,029,000 units), a 5.1% decrease compared with 2017, while 10,852,000 RBC units were transfused (95% CI, 10,444-11,259 units), a 2.5% increase from 2017. Between 2017 and 2019, platelet distributions (2,508,000 units; 95% CI, 2,375,000-2,641,000 units) decreased by 2.0%, and plasma distributions (2,679,000 units; 95% CI, 2,525,000-2,833,000 units) decreased by 16.5%. During the same time period, platelet transfusions (2,243,000 units; 95% CI, 1,846,000-2,147,000 units) increased by 15.8% and plasma transfusions (2,185,000 units; 95% CI, 2,068,000-2,301,000 units) decreased by 8.0%. Utilization of RBC in the United States might have reached a nadir. Between 2017 and 2019, RBC collections declined while RBC transfusions did not significantly change, suggesting a narrowing between blood supply and demand. Monitoring national blood collection and utilization data is integral to understanding trends in blood supply safety and availability.

Characteristics and causes of pre-donation deferrals at a Chinese blood center

ObjectivesThe purpose of this retrospective analysis was to understand the causes and characteristics of the pre-donation deferral, so as to enhance blood safety and improve donor satisfaction. BackgroundBlood transfusion is crucial in managing a variety of different medical and surgical needs. Its benefits are manifold but there are risks for the recipients. Thus some blood donors are deferred from donating when they do not meet certain criteria. An in-depth understanding of the underlying causes of donor deferral will not only improve donor selection but also ensure blood safety and avoid donor complaints. Materials and methodsThis single-center experience was carried out from 26th July 2018 to 25th July 2019 on all whole blood donors in Tianjin, China. Donors’ demographics and information were retrieved; comparisons between deferral data were summarized by the Chi-square test using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) application version 22. The difference between groups were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. ResultsA total of 190,846 participants were included; whereby 119,951 (62.85 %) of participants were first-time blood donors. The pre-donation deferral rate was 9.26 %, and deferral was more likely seen in first-time donors, male donors, and donors of age above 35 years (p < 0.05). Overall, raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT) contributed to 48.46 % of all temporary deferrals, followed by lipaemia (20.71 %). For female donors, low hemoglobin was the leading cause of temporary deferral. Positive hepatitis B surface antigen (Hepatitis B) and syphilis were the two common causes of permanent deferrals, with incidence at 11.65 % and 3.93 %, respectively. ConclusionPre-donation deferral remains a significant problem in China and accounted for 9.26 % of participants in this study. Raised ALT and lipaemia were common temporary deferrals, especially among first-time donors, males, and older donors. Appropriate interventions should be taken to address the blood quality, improve the donor retention strategies in order to secure an adequate and safe blood supply.

Intraoperative infrared fluorescence angiography in surgery of peripheral nerve injuries

Often, when performing reconstruction of nerve trunks, between the ends of the damaged nerve, the presence of diastasis is noted, which requires significant nerve tension in order to overcome it. This, in turn, can lead to a violation of the blood supply to the nerve and damage to its ultrastructures, which leads to unsatisfactory treatment results. The possibility of using intraoperative infrared fluorescence angiography in reconstructive surgical interventions for peripheral nerve damage, in order to assess the degree of blood flow disturbance in the nerve trunk, is considered. In patients with a complete anatomical break during the operation, an attempt was made to overcome diastasis by measuring the tension force (up to 3 N) with which the nerve was affected. Infrared fluorescence angiography with indocyanine green was performed simultaneously. The obtained angiograms were analyzed, and the effect of the tension force on the change in blood flow in the nerve trunk was determined. It was found that when exposed to a force of up to 2 N, there is no significant change in the intraneural blood flow. At the same time, the effect of a force of 3 N is manifested on angiograms by a significant decrease in the volume of blood flow, which is usually due to constriction of the vessels due to their stretching. After reconstruction (microsurgical epineural suture), repeated angiography was performed to assess the safety and adequacy of blood supply to the nerve. It was revealed that the use of intraopreational angiography with indocyanin green is an affordable and easily feasible technique that allows to determine the safety and, equally important, the adequacy and efficiency of blood flow in the nerve trunk. This technique makes it possible to monitor the safety of blood flow in the nerve trunk, to study the mechanisms of compensation of blood supply to the nerve after microsurgical epineural suture, to assess the quality of comparison of nerve stumps along the axis, excluding the possibility of their "twist".

SERO PREVALENCE OF TRANSFUSION TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (TTI) IN VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONORS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL AT SRINAGAR

Introduction: Blood transfusion plays an vital role in patients management and is live saving in my instances. it plays a pivotal role as a specialized modality of treatment and saves millions of lives worldwide each year and reduces morbidity. Stringent screening of blood not only ensure safe supply of blood and blood products, but also gives us idea about prevalence of ttis among general population&#x0D; Objective: to determine the serroperavalance of tti among blood donors in lalded hospital&#x0D; Materials and methods: A retrospective study was carried out over a period of 3 years from January 2017 to December 2019.serum samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen ,antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 and 2 ,hepatitis c virus and syphilis in department of transfusion medicine was carried out&#x0D; Result: The result shows that 55 (3.72%) of the blood donors had TTIs. The prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Malaria, Syphilis and Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), was found to be 31(0.21%), 23 (0.15%), 01 (0.0.006%), 01 (0.006%) and 02 (0.0.23%) respectively. None were positive for malaria.&#x0D; Conclusion: Transfusion Transmittable Infections pose a threat to patients admitted in any health care facility and if not carefully screened for will cause significant morbidity. Careful screening of all donor blood units in the blood bank of a hospital is absolutely necessary to prevent any untoward incidence of TTI in patients admitted to a health care facility&#x0D; Keywords: Transfusion, Sero-Prevalence, Donors, Transfusion Transmissible Infections.

Sociodemographic characteristics of blood donors from the Varna region

Introduction: Blood transfusion continues to play an important role in modern healthcare. In order to meet the need for a safe and efficient blood supply, it is essential not only to retain regular donors, but also to constantly recruit new donors. Aim: The aim of the present study is to establish a profile of the average blood donor in the Varna region based on the sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: Through an anonymous survey and after filling in an informed consent, 3000 blood donors who passed through the RCTH–Varna were examined. Blood donors were examined according to age, sex, education, sequence of blood donation and blood donation by family members. The results were statistically processed with SPSS v. 20.0, using variation, comparison and correlation analyses. Results: According to the obtained data and the results from the literature, it can be said that the average blood donor is a young male at an age of up to 24 years with secondary education. If a gender profile is made, it can be said that male blood donors are mostly young up to 24 years of age with lower education (primary or secondary), while female blood donors are in the age group over 30 years with higher education. Characteristic of all is that a positive example of blood donation in the family is an important factor in attracting regular blood donors. Conclusion: The results of the present study show that the sociodemographic factors that are most strongly associated with blood donation are age and education, with personal example of blood donation in the family being a behavioral factor, but with a major role in retaining regular blood donors.

Determination of Normal and Variant Hemoglobin using Capillary Electrophoresis among Voluntary Blood Donors in North Central Nigeria: Implications on Blood Transfusion Services

Background: Voluntary non-remunerated blood donation is a strategy adopted by World Health Organization aimed at ensuring safety and adequacy of blood supply. Sub-Saharan Africa has a high prevalence of hemoglobin disorders and therefore needs to adopt stringent measures in donor selection to ensure safety for the recipient of blood transfusion. This study aimed to analyze normal and variant hemoglobin among voluntary blood donors.&#x0D; Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 100 prospective blood donors including 55 (55%) males and 45 (45%) females, aged 18–34 years were recruited. Capillary electrophoresis using the Minicap system was used for determining the hemoglobin variants in alkaline buffer (PH 9.4). Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20 and p-value &lt; 0.05 was considered as the level of significance&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the participants was 22.23 ± 3.3 SD years. The proportion of participants with genotype AA was 67 (67%), those with AS were 17 (22 %), while those with AC were 11 (11 %). While Hb A ≥ 90% was noted in 67 (67%) blood donors, Hb S was seen in 22 (22%) and Hb A2 &gt; 3.5% in 57 (57%). Hb F &gt; 2% was observed in 3% of the studied participants&#x0D; Conclusion: Variant hemoglobin is common among blood donors and this should be taken into consideration whenever blood is being crossmatched for recipients of blood transfusion. Data from this study will be useful in raising awareness and genetic counseling.&#x0D; Keywords: prevalence, hemoglobin variants, capillary electrophoresis

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice toward Blood Donation among Undergraduate Medical Students of UPUMS, Saifai

Background: Blood saves millions of life. It cannot be manufactured artificially. Young people are the hope and future of a safe blood supply in the world. So this study was conducted to know the knowledge, awareness and practices among medical students regarding blood donation. Aim &amp; Objective: To study the level of knowledge, attitude and practices about blood donation among undergraduate medical students. To educate the students about blood donation. Settings and Design: The present study was carried out among MBBS students of UPUMS, Saifai. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 452 medical college students. Methods and Material: A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was used for collecting the necessary information after getting informed consent. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics was used to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice. Chi square test was applied to examine the association between knowledge level and other independent variables. Results: A questionnaire based survey among 452 medical students (59.5% males &amp; 40.4% females) regarding blood donation revealed that majority knew about age and weight criteria (57.3% &amp; 67.9% respectively). Of all 93% were willing to donate, while 36% had donated previously; out of which 52.7% had donated more than once. There is significant association between blood donation practice with academic year and gender. Conclusions: The study concludes that many of the students did not have adequate knowledge on blood donation but they have positive attitude towards blood donation. There is a need for education and motivation regarding blood donation through regular CMEs, seminars and campaigns

Türkiye de Toplumun Kan Bağışına Yönelik Bilgi, Tutum ve Davranışları

Blood and blood products are vital biological products. Understanding the level of knowledge, attitude and behavior of society towards blood donation is of great importance to obtain the blood and blood product needed at the national level in a healthy and safe way. In this study, by compiling published studies on awareness, attitudes and behavior of the various groups of society in Turkey towards the blood donation; it is aimed to understand the motivation factors related to blood donation in the society, to determine obstacles and to review what can be done to improve the health of the society by increasing the number of volunteer blood donors and providing safe blood supply.

A comparative study of blood transfusion services before and during COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges faced: retrospective study done at a tertiary care hospital in North Western India

Background: The aim of blood transfusion services is timely and uninterrupted supply of safe blood. SARS-COV-2 pandemic has created the major disruption worldwide at all levels of health care. Announcement of national lockdown by Government of India and Janta Curfew to control the spread of virus has affected blood bank services majorly. Monitoring of supply and demand was done to maintain sufficient blood stocks to support emergency needs. In this article we have compared the blood bank services provided in the year 2019 to how COVID-19 pandemic has affected blood transfusion services in 2020 with reference to blood collection, blood supply and organization of voluntary blood donation camps.Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in the department of Immunohematology and blood transfusion in a tertiary care hospital in North Western India. In this study blood collection and blood supply data was evaluated retrospectively for 2 years i.e. from January 2019 to December 2020.Results: Total 89948 blood components were supplied in the year 2019 and 55152 in the year 2020. Total blood collection was 51317 units in the year 2019 and 34151 units in 2020 from voluntary and replacement blood donors. Major decline in blood collection and blood supply was observed in the months of April and May.Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on blood donation and blood supply and thus adversely affected blood transfusion services.

English

BACKGROUND Transfusion of blood and blood products is an essential component of patient care in various health care settings. Blood is collected from non-remunerated donors. Many infections can spread through the transfusion of blood and blood components. Testing of donor blood for infectious agents prior to transfusion of blood products increases blood safety. Mandatory testing of five transfusion transmitted infections is done prior to transfusion following manufacturer’s instructions and quality specifications. Prevalence study will help the blood transfusion services to select and implement the strategies effectively for blood safety. METHODS This is a descriptive study based on retrospective collection of data from available records. Donor results were recorded and maintained to ensure the traceability of specific donor. The data was collected from the blood donor records and registers pertaining to the 10 year period from 2007 to 2016. Samples seroreactive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, malaria and syphilis were recorded and analysed. RESULTS A total of 1,73,027 donors donated blood during the ten-year period. Of these 1, 65,824 were males and 7203 were females. Male to female ratio was 23:1. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroreactivity is the most common which came to about 419 in this 10-year period with a prevalence rate of 0.24 % or 24 reactive cases in every 10,000 donors. Prevalence rate of Hepatitis C and HIV infection was 0.09 % and 0.035 % respectively. Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and malaria reactivity was 0.02 %. CONCLUSIONS As safe blood supply is an important strategy of blood transfusion services, newer diagnostic tools should be implemented nationwide to overcome the problems with the window period and to detect infections with variant strains. KEY WORDS Prevalence, Transfusion Transmitted Infections, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, Syphilis

Public Policy Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Blood Supply in the United States.

The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated an acute blood shortage for medical transfusions, exacerbating an already tenuous blood supply system in the United States, contributing to the public health crisis, and raising deeper questions regarding emergency preparedness planning for ensuring blood availability. However, these issues around blood availability during the pandemic are related primarily to the decline in supply caused by reduced donations during the pandemic rather than increased demand for transfusion of patients with COVID-19.The challenges to ensure a safe blood supply during the pandemic will continue until a vaccine is developed, effective treatments are available, or the virus goes away. If this virus or a similar virus were capable of transmission through blood, it would have a catastrophic impact on the health care system, causing a future public health emergency that would jeopardize the national blood supply.In this article, we identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood supply adequacy, discuss the public health implications, propose recovery strategies, and present recommendations for preparing for the next disruption in blood supply driven by a public health emergency.

Optimal portfolios of blood safety interventions: test, defer or modify?

A safe supply of blood for transfusion is a critical component of the healthcare system in all countries. Most health systems manage the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) through a portfolio of blood safety interventions. These portfolios must be updated periodically to reflect shifting epidemiological conditions, emerging infectious diseases, and new technologies. However, the number of available blood safety portfolios grows exponentially with the number of available interventions, making it impossible for policymakers to evaluate all feasible portfolios without the assistance of a computer model. We develop a novel optimization model for evaluating blood safety portfolios that enables systematic comparison of all feasible portfolios of deferral, testing, and modification interventions to identify the portfolio that is preferred from a cost-utility perspective. We present structural properties that reduce the state space and required computation time in certain cases, and we develop a linear approximation of the model. We apply the model to retrospectively evaluate U.S. blood safety policies for Zika and West Nile virus for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019, defining donor groups based on season and geography. We leverage structural properties to efficiently find an optimal solution. We find that the optimal portfolio varies geographically, seasonally, and over time. Additionally, we show that for this problem the approximated model yields the same optimal solution as the exact model. Our method enables systematic identification of the optimal blood safety portfolio in any setting and any time period, thereby supporting decision makers in efforts to ensure the safety of the blood supply.