Transfusion Center Research Articles

Development and validation of the self-regulation of blood donation scale for blood donors

BackgroundBecause knowledge of blood donor motivation is crucial in guiding recruitment and retention efforts, the present study aimed at developing and validating a new scale as a multidimensional measure of blood donation motivation from the perspective of the self- determination theory. MethodsThis study was conducted in three phases from September 2022 to May 2023. The first phase involved developing a draft scale based on a literature review. In the second phase, face and content validity were performed. The third phase used a cross-sectional design to assess the construct validity and internal consistency of the initial scale following administration to blood donors with a history of at least one previous whole blood donation who visited the largest blood transfusion center in Iran. Of the 420 subjects who were recruited using a mixed sampling method, 343 who fully completed the initial version of the scale were subjected to an construct validity assessment using exploratory factor analysis with Equamax rotation and internal consistency using McDonald's omega coefficient. Main resultsThe initial version of the scale consisted of 30 survey items with both a content validity ratio and a content validity index of 0.99. Exploratory factor analysis identified 24 items; grouped in six regulation factors (non-regulation, external regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, integrated regulation, and intrinsic regulation). The factors demonstrated adequate internal consistency with ω values ranging from 0.60 to 0.79. ConclusionThe present study provides psychometric support for the newly developed questionnaire to evaluate donation motivation among blood donors in Iran or in other countries with similar language, and religious and cultural values.

Prevalence of a Subtype in Iraqi Donations of National Blood Transfusion Center

General Background: The ABO blood group system is essential in blood transfusion, with subtypes of A and B groups influencing clinical outcomes. Specific Background: Subtypes A1 and A2 differ in the amount of antigen on red blood cells, impacting blood typing accuracy. Knowledge Gap: The prevalence of A2 and A2B subtypes in Iraqi donors remains underexplored, and their detection in routine screening can be challenging. Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of A2 and A2B subtypes among Iraqi blood donors and evaluate the necessity of Anti-A1 reagent in accurate subtype identification. Results: In 2022, type O blood donors were the most prevalent, followed by B, A, and AB. A routine screening identified 0% A2 and 0.7% A2B subtypes, but 5% and 14.2% were A2B. Novelty: This study highlights the limitations of routine serological testing in detecting A subtypes, demonstrating that the use of Anti-A1 reagent significantly improves accuracy. Implications: Given the low rate of discrepancy between forward and reverse grouping, the Anti-A1 reagent should be routinely used for detecting A subtypes in clinical settings. Additionally, molecular techniques may be required to distinguish between rarer A subtypes such as A3, Ax, and Am. Highlights: ABO subtypes A1 and A2 are vital for precise blood transfusion typing. Routine tests miss A2; Anti-A1 reagent ensures accurate subtype detection. Molecular techniques help identify rarer subtypes like A3 and Ax. Keywords: ABO system, blood subtypes, Iraqi donors, Anti-A1 reagent, blood typing

Cytokines profile in occult hepatitis B virus infections in blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Center of Lomé, Togo

Aims: Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) was detected in blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) of Lomé. This constitutes a risk of transmission of the OBI to transfused patients since the detection of this infection is not systematic. The aim of this study is to describe the profile of cytokines in blood donors with OBI at CNTS of Lomé in Togo. Methods: This is a prospective study during which the cytokines IL-6, TNFα, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17A, and IFNγ were measured by using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at two time points: initially (D0) in August 2022 and again seven months later (+7 months) in April 2023, in blood donors with occult hepatitis B infection. Results: At D0, the cytokine profile in sera of occult hepatitis B donors showed a significant reduced level of IL-6 (p=0.0009), TNFα (p=0.0025), IL-5 (p=0.0011), and IL-17A (p=0.0218) compared to non-occult hepatitis B donors. The inflammatory cytokine IFNγ and the regulatory cytokine IL-10 were also reduced but the differences were not significant. After seven months, the sera cytokine profile of occult hepatitis B donors had not changed, showing a significant reduced level of IL-6 (p=0.0005), TNFα (pgreater 0.0001), IL-5 (p=0.0234), and IL-17A (p greater 0.0001). We noticed especially for IL-17A, undetectable levels. Conclusion: Several authors have highlighted the presence of inflammatory cytokines in their studies; however, in our study, we noticed a downregulation or an absence of inflammatory cytokines in donors with occult hepatitis B.

Knowledge, attitude and acceptance regarding bone marrow transplantation in caregivers of beta-thalassemia major patients.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Acceptance regarding Bone marrow transplantation in caregivers of beta-thalassemia major patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the caregivers of pediatric patients with betathalassemia major in blood transfusion centres in Bangalore, India. Their knowledge, attitude, and acceptance regarding bone marrow transplantation were assessed using a validated questionnaire. The study aimed to identify factors that influence caregivers' decision about bone marrow transplantation. The knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of the caregivers towards bone marrow transplantation are shown to depend on gender, education and socio-economic status. The results of this study reveal that male caregivers generally exhibited higher levels of knowledge and had a better attitude towards it as compared to their female counterparts. Higher education and socio-economic status were associated with better knowledge, more favourable attitudes and a higher acceptance towards the procedure.

Frequency of Blood Components Wastages and Related Factors in Fars Blood Transfusion Centers, Iran

Introduction: Blood component waste is an important issue in all blood transfusion centers. Therefore, reducing and managing these wastages are a major concern in blood transfusion centers. The present study examined the causes and frequency of blood product wastage in blood transfusion centers of Fars Province from 2015 to 2020. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive and retrospective study, and the cause and frequency of red blood cell, platelet, plasma and cryoprecipitate wastage from 2015 to 2020 were evaluated. The data related to the blood product wastage were extracted from the comprehensive software of the Blood Transfusion Organization (Negareh). Then, it was analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Results: The total amount of waste was equal to 164981 units. The highest percentage of wastage of products was in 2015 (8.12%), 2016 (7.15 %) and 2017 (6.75 %), respectively. The most discarded products were whole blood, cryoprecipitate and platelet, respectively. Also, the leading causes of waste included positive screening test results, expiration date, contamination, blood group incompatibility, and abnormal and bloody color, respectively. Conclusion: The authors concluded that blood component wastage has a dropping pattern in this period. Proper management and continuous training of technical staff are important in reducing blood product wastage.

Comparison of Copper (II) Sulphate to Hemocue Analyser in the Estimation of Haemoglobin among Voluntary and Replacement Blood Donors at Bugando Medical Centre

Background Pre-donation haemoglobin (Hb) screening is among the foremost test done on blood donors to determine whether an individual is fit to donate with the intention of preventing inadvertent donation from an anaemic donor. The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) in Tanzania uses the Copper II Sulphate (CuSO4) gravimetric method to estimate haemoglobin (Hb) in blood donors. The accuracy of the copper II sulphate method for the rapid screening of prospective blood donors has been questioned because this rapid screening method may lead to false deferral of truly eligible prospective blood donors. However, this and other point-of-care method may provide false results. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 236 eligible blood donors attending BMC transfusion centre at Mwanza, Tanzania. The blood donors were asked for their consent to participate in this study from 1st May to 1st August 2024. Capillary blood samples were obtained for Hb estimation by CuSO4 and HemoCue methods, and 3mls of venous blood were also collected for Hb quantification by AHA (gold standard). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the demographic details of the donor. Kappa statistics were used to determine the level of agreement between the two methods of Hb estimation. Results The median age of the study participants was 30 years (IQR: 25-36). The proportion of false eligible donors was 5.5%, and false deferral donors were 2.3% using the CuSO4 gravimetric method. The specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, and Kappa agreement for CuSO4 were 53.8%, 94.7%, 93.8%, 58.3%, and 0.51, respectively. In contrast, the specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, and Kappa agreement for HemoCue were 63.6%, 97.9%, 96%, 77.7%, and 0.67, respectively. Conclusion. The current study revealed that, the performance of the CuSO4 gravimetric method is relatively poor, with a high proportion of false eligible donors than the HemoCue method. These findings warrant further studies to evaluate the quality control measures for CuSO4 gravimetric method and explore alternative point-of-care methods for Hb estimation among blood donors in similar resource limited-settings.

HIV-1 residual risk and pre-treatment drug resistance among blood donors: A sentinel surveillance from Gabon.

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

A risk prediction model for vasovagal reactions in whole blood donors including the physical and psychological factors: Results from a case–control study done in a regional blood transfusion center

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Blood centers strive to maintain a safe and adequate supply of blood products from healthy volunteer donors. Primary responsibility of a medical officer is to assess donor risk for vasovagal reaction (VVR) and alert the phlebotomist. The study attempts to identify the significant risk factors of VVR which may help in decision-making. METHODS: This was a case–control study including blood donors donating 350 ml Whole blood in Department of Transfusion Medicine, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram from December 19, 2017 to June 31, 2018. Donors who suffered VVRs during or after blood donation were considered as cases and compared with controls. The prevalence of risk factors such as age, sex, number of previous donations, body mass index (BMI), blood volume, sleep duration, food intake, fear and anxiety, and pain perception was compared between the groups. RESULTS: 174 cases and 348 controls were studied. Most of the donors were < 35 years of age (63.2%) younger age groups (18–25 year) had a higher odds of VVR (5.54 with 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4–12.5). First time donations carried an increased risk of VVR with an ODDs ratio of 5.8 (3.81–9.131) compared to repeat donors. Around 45% of cases were first timers whereas only 12% of controls were first time donors. There was a significantly higher rate of reactions in donors who had episodes of VVRs in the previous donations. Odds 1.99 (CI 1.09–3.74) other risk factors identified were female gender (6.3, 95% CI 2–20), lack of sleep at previous night (32.9; CI 16.17–67.18), and high BMI > 27.5/m2 with odds ratio 2.5 (1.4–4.3). Having an estimated blood volume < 3500 ml also was associated with higher odds of VVRs. CONCLUSION: In spite of having a strict criteria for donor deferral based on risk factors, vasovagal reactions still occur and risk factors are prevalent in blood donor population. Special attention should be given to donors having one more of such risk factors and attempts should be made to avert VVRs.

Causes of pre and post-donation deferrals among blood donors, at Kwale Satellite Blood Transfusion Center, Kwale County, Kenya, 2018–2022

BackgroundBoth pre-donation and post-donation deferrals pose challenges to blood safety and availability. This study delved into the deferral rates before donations and their underlying reasons, as, transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) leading to post-donation deferrals among potential blood donors at the Kwale Satellite Blood Transfusion Centre (KSBTC) in Kenya.MethodsWe performed a retrospective electronic record review of pre- and post-donation deferrals among blood donors at KSBTC, 2018–2022. The pre-donations deferral rate and reasons for deferral were analyzed. Accepted donations were analyzed to determine the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and syphilis. Descriptive statistics were calculated and both crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR), and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Variables with p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsA review was conducted on 12,633 blood donation records. Among these, individuals 2,729/12,633 (21.60%) were deferred from donating with the primary reason being low hemoglobin levels, constituting 51.86% of deferrals. Around 773/9,904 (7.80%) of blood units, were discarded due to at least one TTI. Among these, HBV accounted for 4.73%, HIV for 2.01%, HCV for 1.21%, and Syphilis for 0.59% of cases. The adjusted odds ratio for male donors were, (aOR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.01–1.57), donors with none or primary education level (aOR = 1.4 95% CI 1.11–1.68), first-timer donors (aOR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.01–1.44), and static strategy for blood collection (aOR = 1.4, 95%CI 1.12–1.63) were independently potentially associated with testing positive for at least one TTI.ConclusionThe study indicates that TTIs continue to pose a risk to the safety of Kenya’s bloodstock, with a notable prevalence of HBV infections. Male donors, individuals with limited education, first-time donors, and utilizing a fixed strategy for blood collection were identified as potential risk factors independently associated with TTIs.

Assessing Blood Donors&amp;apos; Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Blood Donation - A Cross-Sectional Study

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Introduction: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Blood donation is vital for saving lives in critical medical conditions, making it a global concern. Ensuring a stable blood supply is essential for emergency treatments, surgeries, and chronic disease therapies. Blood donors, including influential figures like imams, play a critical role in promoting and normalizing blood donation within communities. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Aim of the study: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of blood donors toward blood donation. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;This cross-sectional study at Imam Training Academy of the Islamic Foundation, Bangladesh, included 200 Imams aged 18 above. Conducted from February 2023 to January 2024, data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS Version 26, considering a P-value of &amp;lt;0.05 as significant. Ethical clearance was obtained from the local ethical committee. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Result: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;The study findings indicate that the majority (61.5%) of participants were aged between 20-29 years, with 19.5% aged 30-39 years. Awareness about blood donation was moderate, with 45% aware of their blood group and Rh factor. Most participants (83.5%) understood that receiving infected blood can transmit diseases, and 65% correctly identified the interval for safe blood donation. Knowledge of local blood transfusion centers beyond BSMMU was low at 36%. Attitudes toward blood donation were overwhelmingly positive, with high agreement that donation saves lives (96.5%) and is a moral activity (97.5%). The preference for voluntary non-remunerated donation was unanimous (98%). However, only 35% of respondents had donated blood at least once, with 33.5% donating voluntarily. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The study found that blood donors had good knowledge and a positive attitude toward blood donation. However, most individuals were not donating blood regularly as volunteers.

Long-term prediction of Iranian blood product supply using LSTM: a 5-year forecast

BackgroundThis study aims to predict the trend of procurement and storage of various blood products, as well as planning and monitoring the consumption of blood products in different centers across Iran based on artificial intelligence until the year 2027.MethodsThis research constitutes a time-series investigation within the realm of longitudinal studies. In this study, information on the number of packed red blood cells (RBC), leukoreduced red blood cells (LR-RBC), and platelets (PLT), PLT-Apheresis, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) was requested from all blood transfusion centers in the country and extracted using a unified protocol. After the initial examination of the information and addressing data issues and inconsistencies, the corrected data were analyzed. Both conventional and artificial intelligence approaches were used to predict each product in this study. The best model was selected based on goodness-of-fit indicators RMSE and MAPE.ResultsBased on the obtained results, the FFP product will follow a relatively consistent process similar to previous years in the next five years. The PLT product is predicted to have a growing trend over the next 5 years, which applies to both the demand and supply of the product. The PLT-Apheresis product also shows a similar upward trend, albeit with a lower growth rate. The RBC product will have a constant trend over a 5-year period (long-term) according to both models, taking into account short-term changes. Similarly, there is a similar trend in LR-RBC, with the expectation that short-term pattern repetition will continue over a 5-year period (long-term). Comparing the goodness-of-fit results, the LSTM model proved to be better for predicting the dominant blood products.ConclusionsThe growth of the elderly population and diseases related to old age, and on the other hand, the trend of increasing the consumption of the product with a short lifespan (PLT) requires the activation of the management of the patient’s blood, especially in relation to this product in medical centers. The trend for other products in the next five years is similar to previous years, and no growth in demand is observed. The LSTM method, considering periodic and cyclical events, has performed the prediction.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among Blood Donors at National Blood Transfusion and Research Center-Taiz Branch, Yemen

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) represents one of the most health problems. Almost more than 350 million infected persons were reported universally. Blood transfusion is commonly the most common route of transmission of HBV. Recently, Hospitals in Yemen are increasing demands for blood and blood products due to war injury, anemia, and malnutrition. The risk of transfusion transmission of infection relatively increases. This study aimed to determine hepatitis B virus prevalence among blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Center -Taiz branch (NBTRC- TB). Data was collected from the National Blood Transfusion and Research Center (Taiz branch) from 1/4/2020 to 16/12/2020. A total of 3174 blood donors donated blood at the center. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on them. Blood donor information was registered at the reception department, and all blood screening tests were performed. Data of HBsAg and total anti-HBc were analyzed statistically by using IBM SPSS version 26. Among 3174 blood donors, male blood donors were 3158 (99.5%) and female blood donors 16 (0.5%). Furthermore, 41 (1.3%) were positive for HBsAg (which all the positive results were for male donors and no positivity were for female donors) while 353 (11.1%) were positive for total anti- HBc Ab which is distributed at ratio of 11% (350) for males and 0.1% (3) for females. On the other hand, the result of HBsAg and total anti-HBc Ab together showed three levels of positivity as the (HBsAg positive / anti-HBc negative) were 12 (0.4%) in which was a low percentage and reversely, the (HBsAg negative/ HBcAb positive) were 316 (10.2%), While the HBsAg positive / anti-HBc positive were 27 (0.9%). So this study shed light on the result of HBsAg negative/ anti-HBc positive which the percentage (10.2%) of which statistically significant (p. value = 0.000) and was the highest result indicates donors with post HBV infection or have low HBV infection. This study showed the high prevalence of post-HBV infection among blood donors. Using both markers HBsAg and total anti-HBc Ab will improve the detection of HBV before blood transfusion.

Seroprevalence of infectious markers HCV, HBV, HIV and the agent of syphilis among blood donors from the blood transfusion center (BTC of Constantine) in a hospital in eastern Algeria

Microbial agents transmitted by blood transfusion, HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis remain a major problem for transfusion safety. The objective of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of infectious markers in order to contribute to the improvement of the safe and sufficient supply of blood. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study carried out at the BTC SMK laboratory in Constantine covering the period from January 2019 to December 2021. Our sample is mainly composed of voluntary, adult, young and male donors. 9155 donors who underwent a screening examination during the period (2019-2021). The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis was respectively 0.40%, 0.12%, 0%, 0.14%, with a male predominance whose age group [36-45 [ presents the highest frequency of HCV, HBV and syphilis. Our results justify donor selection and screening tests.

Morbidity and Mortality Associated with COVID-19 and Acute Chest Syndrome in Sickle Cell Disease Patients

SUMMARY COVID-19 infection has emerged as a comorbidity that can significantly increase morbidity and mortality in sickle cell patients with ACS (acute thoracic/chest syndrome). The aim of our study was to assess COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in sickle cell patients with ACS. This was a retrospective, descriptive study of patient records followed over a 36-month period from January 2020 to December 2022. The study was conducted at the national blood transfusion center in Dakar. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.82. The median age was 26 (17–39) years. The most represented age group was between 21 and 30 years. Factors associated with death were: at baseline, SS genotype, presence of comorbidities (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, viral hepatitis B, ischemic heart disease), osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) at diagnosis of COVID-19; at the diagnosis of ACS associated with COVID-19, respiratory distress, hypoxia (Sa02 < 92%), creatininemia >18.5 mg/l, CRP >192 mg/l, lymphopenia; the therapeutic modalities associated with death were: transfusion of RBCs (packed red blood cells) and curative anticoagulation. This study shows that patients with comorbidities and/or chronic complications of sickle cell disease can develop severe forms of ACS associated with COVID 19, leading to death. Other factors linked to death, notably diagnostic and therapeutic, were also identified in the course of this study.

Molecular detection and genotyping of human herpes virus 8 in blood donors in Congo.

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is rarely studied in Congo, despite its prevalence in Africa. Among healthy individuals, HHV-8 does not always lead to a life-threatening infection; however, in immunocompromised individuals, it could lead to more severe disease. The distribution of HHV-8 genotypes varies depending on ethnicity and geographic region. A prospective cross-sectional study included 265 samples from healthy blood donors from the National Blood Transfusion Center in Brazzaville, with an average age of 35 years, with extremes ranging from 18 to 60 years. After DNA extraction, a nested PCR was carried out for molecular detection, followed by genotyping by amplification of specific primers. In this study, 4.9% were positive for molecular detection of HHV-8 DNA. All HHV-8 positive DNA samples that were subjected to genotyping by amplification with specific primers allowing discrimination of two major genotypes (A and B). Genotype A was identified in 5 (1.9%) samples and genotype B in 2 (0.7%) samples, indicating that both genotypes were predominant. The remaining viral DNA samples not identified as the major genotypes were classified as «indeterminate» and consisted of 6 (2.3%) samples. The results of the study suggest that Congo is an area where HHV-8 infection is endemic.

Screening blood donors for malaria, can we increase the number of eligible donors? An observational retrospective study

BackgroundIn non-endemic countries, malaria can be transmitted through blood donations from imported cases. To ensure standards of quality and safety of human blood, the European Union and Spanish national law, requires a deferral period, or a screening by immunological or genomic test among those donors with potential risk of malaria. Scientific societies, European Committee on Blood Transfusion, and Spanish Society of Haematology and Haemotherapy, refer only to the result of the immunological test.MethodsAn observational retrospective study was performed in potential donors with a positive immunological test for malaria done in the Regional Transfusion Center in Madrid and referred to the National Reference Unit for Tropical Diseases in Madrid between 2015–2020. At consultation a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for malaria was performed.ResultsDuring the study period, 121 possible donors attended for consultation at NRU-Trop. Median age: 38.5 (IQR:33–48); median time to consultation was 32 months (IQR:12.5–110). Eighty-two (67.8%) donors were migrants and thirty-nine were travellers (32.2%). ELISA values were available for 109 subjects (90.1%), 56 individual left malaria endemic area > 3 years before. All donors tested negative for Plasmodium spp PCR test (n = 121, 100%).ConclusionsNone of the subjects with a positive immunologic test deferred as blood donors had a positive genomic test. The presence of Plasmodium spp in collected blood was not detected by molecular techniques. To avoid the loss of potential blood donors, especially those with low incidence red blood cell antigens, as more precise microbiology techniques become available, updating the existing legislation becomes necessary to increase the availability of donated blood.

Use of flow cytometry method to detect contaminations of platelet suspensions

In this study, it was aimed to investigate bacterial contamination in apheresis platelet suspensions (APS) by automated blood culture system and flow cytometry method (FCM).33 spiked APS each using 11 bacterial strains (5 standard strains, 6 clinical isolates), were prepared in three different dilutions (1–10, 10–50, 50-100 cfu/mL), incubated in two different temperatures (35–37 °C and 22–24 °C) and different incubation times (18–96 h) evaluated by FCM. This three different dilutions were also inoculated into special platelet culture bottles (BacT/ALERT® BPA) and loaded into the blood culture system. Additionally 80 APSs routinely prepared in the Transfusion Center were evaluated by both FCM and the blood culture system. Platelets were lysed by freeze-thaw method.All spiked samples were positive with BacT/ALERT® BPA in 12–18 h. In 96 h incubation at 22–24 °C, the presence of bacteria was detected by FCM in all other samples (31/33) except low dilutions (1–10 and 10–100 CFU/ml) of K.pneumoniae standard strain. In the 35–37 °C, the presence of bacteria was detected by FCM in all samples (33/33) after 48 h of incubation. In routine APS one sample detected as positive (Bacillus simplex) with BacT/ALERT® BPA and no positivity was detected by FCM.The freeze-thaw method, which we have optimized for the lysis of platelets, is very practical and can be easily applied. The BacT/ALERT® system has been found to be very sensitive in detecting bacterial contamination in PSs. Flow cytometry method has been found to be successful, fast, easy to use and low cost in detecting bacterial contamination in PSs.

Manual Exchange Transfusion Role in the Management of a Pregnancy Compromised by Sickle Cell Disease in a Tertiary Hospital in Burkina Faso: A Case Report

Sickle cell disease in pregnant women can lead to potentially serious complications for both the mother and fetus. Its management remains a major public health challenge, particularly in resource-limited regions. Here, we report the management of a case at the Regional University Hospital (RUH) of Ouahigouya. A 30-year-old patient with 2 pregnancies, 1 miscarriage following a vaso-occlusive crisis. The current pregnancy was monitored at a peripheral health center until 25 weeks of gestation when the patient experienced a vaso-occlusive crisis, prompting her evacuation to the CHUR-OHG. Electrophoresis of hemoglobin revealed 53% hemoglobin S fraction and 47% hemoglobin C fraction, with mild anemia at 9.6g/dl. After symptomatic treatment and hydration, the first crisis improved; however, due to the succession of crises, manual exchange transfusion was discussed and indicated by the care team. Initially, this exchange was not performed due to a lack of blood products. Thanks to the opening of the new transfusion center in the region, the required blood bags were available for the procedure. Manual exchange transfusion was performed, using AA red blood cell concentrate. The immediate aftermath of the exchange transfusion was straightforward, and the patient was able to carry her pregnancy to term without further complications. Delivery was by caesarean section, at 38 weeks of gestation. The newborn, a female, had Apgar scores of 9/10 and 10/10, with a weight of 2600 grams. Postoperative recovery was uneventful with no vaso-occlusive crises.

BLOOD BANK MANAGEMENT STSTEM

The Blood Bank Management System (BBMS) is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline and automate the operations of blood banks and transfusion centers. This system provides a centralized platform for managing blood inventory, donor information, blood testing, and distribution processes, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring timely access to safe blood products for patients.

Anti-HBc antibodies and occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) among blood donors in Lomé, Togo

Aims: Among the progressive forms of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, the HBs antigen (HBsAg) remains undetectable in 25% of cases. There is also a form of HBV infection called occult HBV infection (OBI) characterized by the presence of viral DNA in the blood and tissues with no detectable levels of HBsAg associated with or without anti-HBc Ab, or anti-HBs Ab out of the pre-seroconversion period, which constitutes an infectious risk in blood transfusion. Methods: To determine the prevalence of anti-HBc Abs and the HBV DNA in the blood of donors recruited at the blood transfusion center (CNTS) of Lomé. This is a cross-sectional study including 967 blood donations which were seronegative to HBs antigen during the biological qualification of the donation (BQD) from July 28 to August 19, 2022. The detection of total anti-HBc Abs (IgM and IgG) was performed by BIORAD enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method; the viral load measurement was carried out according to the polymerase chain reaction method by amplification of COBAS AmpliPrep/TaqMan 4800 (Roche diagnostics). Data processing and analysis were performed using EXCEL 2013 software and SPSS software. Concerning the ethical aspect, we have obtained written consent from the donors and the agreement of the bioethics committee for health research No. 052/2022/CBRS. Results: The prevalence of anti-HBc Abs was 33.82% (CI: 30.83–36.80). Viral DNA was detected in 10 cases. The prevalence of occult hepatitis B was 3.05% (10/327) in blood donors carrying anti-HBc antibodies, and 1.03% (10/967) in the blood donors population that does not carry HBsAg. Conclusion: The presence of occult hepatitis B within the population of blood donors at the blood transfusion center of Lomé constitutes a real threat to transfusion safety. The association of the viral DNA detection by PCR to the serological tests that are currently carried out during the biological qualification of the donations could be a better approach to reduce the risk of transmission of HBV by blood transfusion at the CNTS of Lomé.