Voluntary Blood Donors Research Articles

Genetic analysis of a blood donor with combined FUT1 and ABO dual blood group gene variants resulting in para-Bombay and A2 subtype blood types and a literature review

To investigate the serological and molecular genetic characteristics of a voluntary blood donor with combined FUT1 and ABO blood group gene variants causing para-Bombay and A2 subtype, and to review relevant literature on para-Bombay blood types carrying alleles such as FUT101W.37 and FUT101W.23. A blood donor with para-Bombay and A2 subtype who participated in voluntary blood donation at the Dongguan Blood Center in August 2023 was selected as the study subject. Serological tests were performed to identify the ABO blood group, Lewis blood group antigens, and unexpected serum antibodies in the donor. Adsorption-elution test was conducted to detect trace antibodies in the blood donor's plasma to trace the A, B and H antigens on the red blood cell surface. Sanger sequencing was carried out to analyze the sequences of the FUT1 and ABO genes. Using keywords such as "para-Bombay" "FUT1*01W.37" and "FUT1*01W.23" both in Chinese and English, relevant literature on para-Bombay blood type subjects carrying FUT1*01W.37 and FUT1*01W.23 alleles was retrieved from the CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and PubMed databases, and the retrieval time was set as from the establishment of database to December 2022. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Dongguan Blood Center (No. 2022005), and informed consent of blood donation was obtained from the blood donor. Serological testing of the blood donor revealed inconsistent results between forward and reverse ABO blood typing, negative H antigen on the red blood cell surface, Le(a-b+) secretor type for Lewis blood group, and unexpected anti-H antibodies in the plasma, indicating a suspected para-Bombay type. Absorption-elution test suggested the blood type of the blood donor to be para-Bombay and A subtype. Sanger sequencing showed that the donor has harbored homozygous FUT1*(c.35T+c.803A)/(c.35T+c.803A) variant, with the FUT1*(c.35T+c.803A) allele containing a dual nucleotide variant unrecorded by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) FUT1 gene variant database, which was similar to the weakly functional allele of FUT101W. 37(c.803G>A) as recorded by the ISBT database. The ABO genotype was heterozygous ABOA2.05/O.01.02. Combining the results of serological and genetic testing, the blood type of the blood donor was determined to be para-Bombay and A2 subtypes. Literature review has identified a pregnant women from Qingdao carrying the FUT1*01W.37 allele and 2 individuals carrying a heterozygous FUT1*01W.23 allele. This study has discovered a blood donor with coexisting para-Bombay and ABO subtype blood groups. Based on the characteristics of red blood cell surface antigens, the FUT1*01W.37 as classified as an FUT1 null allele.

Blood donation practices, motivators and barriers in the Caribbean: A narrative review.

Adequacy and safety are the twin prerogatives of the blood transfusion service which in turn is an indispensable component of public health delivery; however, many Caribbean countries have inadequate blood supply for the current and projected demands of their health care systems. Understanding blood donor motivators and barriers is crucial to improving the rate of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRD) to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) targets. The objective of this study was to review current research on the landscape of blood donation practices and attitudes in the Caribbean. We undertook a systematic search of electronic databases through September 2023 to identify studies of blood donation practices, knowledge and attitudes, including motivators and barriers to donation in the English-speaking Caribbean. We identified eight (8) relevant studies of observational study design. VNRD remain relatively uncommon; family replacement or remunerated donations were most common. Barriers to blood donation included lack of a known recipient such as a family member who needed blood, never having been asked to donate, presumed ineligibility to donate, and fear of needles or adverse reactions. Study participants indicated willingness to donate blood if provided more information about the importance of blood donation. There is a paucity of published research regarding blood donor knowledge, motivators and barriers in the Caribbean context. Such research could indicate the necessary interventions for achieving the goals of an adequate and safe blood supply.

Prevalence and screening of hemoglobinopathies and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Yemeni blood donors

ABSTRACT Hemoglobinopathies and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency pose significant health threats in Yemen, which can be alleviated through robust preventive strategies, highlighting the importance of implementing a cost-effective and efficient blood donor screening method to facilitate early diagnosis and management of erythrocyte disorders, ultimately improving both donor safety and patient health outcomes. Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence of total blood cell abnormalities, hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency and evaluate the efficacy of red blood cell (RBC) indices, mentzer index (MI) and naked-eye single tube red cell osmotic fragility (NESTROF) test as screening tools for diagnosis of β thalassemia trait among Yemeni blood donors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 volunteer blood donors who met the national standard criterion of blood donation. Various tests were performed, including complete blood count (CBC), serum ferritin, sickling test, G6PD assay, NESTROF test and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The prevalence of hematological abnormalities among blood donors reached 68.9%, with functional RBC abnormalities at 51.9%, leukopenia at 10.4%, thrombocytosis at 1.9%, and thrombocytopenia at 4.7%. Additionally, hemoglobinopathies were found in 21.7% of donors, with β-thalassemia trait at 3.8%, sickle cell trait at 1.9%, and suspected α-thalassemia trait at 16%, while G6PD deficiency and iron deficiency were present in 12.3% and 17.9% of donors, respectively. The NESTROF test, MCV and MCH demonstrated a sensitivity rate of 100%. MI and MCH exhibited the highest specificity followed by NESTROF test in the screening of β-thalassemia trait. Conclusions The prevalence of hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency appear to be common among Yemeni blood donors. These results emphasize the necessity of comprehensive blood donation screening programs to safeguard the blood supply and promote early detection and management of hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency in Yemen.

Korelasi Pengetahuan dan Minat Donor Darah pada Remaja di MA Hidayatullah Martapura

High school adolescents on the risks of unsafe blood donation and the benefits of safe blood donation practices. Adolescents can be effective as youth cadres in promoting public awareness about voluntary blood donation due to their active nature, curiosity, and social responsibility. The study uses an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach and involved 122 students from MA Hidayatullah Martapura. Data was gathered through a questionnaire, analyzed using SPSS. Findings reveal that 22.8% of respondents have a low level of knowledge about blood donation, mainly due to limited awareness of its health benefits and lack of information access through media channels. A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge and interest in blood donation (sig 0.001 < 0.05) with a moderate correlation strength (Pearson value 0.431). Additionally, 52.7% of students possess sufficient knowledge about blood donation, and 65.7% demonstrate an interest in participating as blood donors. These results highlight the importance of providing adolescents with relevant information to boost their awareness and engagement in safe blood donation practices.

Serological profile of voluntary blood donors in a blood bank of tertiary health care centre- An institution-based study

Background: The safe transfusion of blood facilities is an essential component of an efficient, excellent healthcare sector. Unsafe blood transfusions can be a cause of transfusion-transmitted infections and can be lethal. The present study was conducted to find out the seroprevalence of HBsAg, HCV, HIV, malarial parasites, and syphilis in voluntary blood donors in a tertiary care center. Materials and methods: This prospective study was conducted at the blood bank of the Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, Dehradun. 16413 samples from all blood donations were screened for HBsAg, HCV, HIV 1 and 2, malaria, and syphilis. Samples were collected in vacutainers at the time of blood donation and screened for HIV 1and2, HBsAg, and HCV using the fourth-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Syphilis was tested by Treponema antibodies using the VITROS Syphilis TPA Reagent Pack. Malaria was tested by pan malaria card, monoclonal anti-pan specific parasite lactate dehydrogenase antibody conjugated to colloidal gold, and another monoclonal anti-pan specific parasite lactate dehydrogenase antibody immobilized on a nitrocellulose strip in a thin line. Results: Out of 16413 blood donors 342(2.1%) were found to be seropositive and 16071 (97.9%) were found to be seronegative. The total number of donors, who were found positive for HBsAg/Anti HCV was 1 (0.3%). Out of the seropositive cases, HBsAg, HCV, HIV, and Syphilis infections constituted 28.9%, 27.5, 14.6, and 28.7% cases respectively. Conclusions: There is a need for the development and implementation of stringent donor selection and sensitive screening tests to reduce the risk of acquiring transfusion-transmitted illnesses.

Research on the effectiveness and strategies of new media in promoting voluntary blood donation from a public health perspective in the post-pandemic era.

This study explores the effectiveness of new media in enhancing public enthusiasm for voluntary blood donation in the post-pandemic era and proposes effective publicity strategies to promote the sustainability and healthy development of blood donation activities. A questionnaire survey was widely used to collect public opinions and attitudes toward voluntary blood donation. The sample data underwent rigorous reliability and validity analysis to ensure authenticity and reliability. Statistical methods such as correlation analysis and regression analysis were employed to deeply investigate the underlying relationships between factors like new media publicity, emotional value, social recognition, convenience, information reliability, and willingness to donate blood voluntarily. Based on these analyses, a research model was constructed, and relevant hypotheses were verified through empirical methods. The study found that new media publicity may be associated with increasing the willingness of the public to voluntarily donate blood. Survey participants indicated that they were more likely to consider donating blood after exposure to new media publicity. Among these factors, the emotional value and content conveyed by the publicity appeared to be particularly important. Additionally, our research revealed that social recognition, the convenience of blood donation, and the reliability of promotional information seemed to have a direct impact on the public's willingness to donate blood. At the same time, these factors may indirectly promote actual blood donation behavior by enhancing the public's emotional resonance and acceptance of blood donation. This study suggests that new media may play multiple positive roles in promoting voluntary blood donation. Based on these findings, we propose a series of strategic recommendations, including further optimizing publicity content, striving to enhance the public's emotional resonance, improving the reliability of promotional information, and enhancing service convenience. These suggestions aim to potentially raise public awareness and willingness to participate in voluntary blood donation, providing a scientific basis and strong support for the promotion of voluntary blood donation in the post-epidemic era.

Knowledge, perceptions, and practices of blood donation among undergraduate students at Gulf Medical University, United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study

Ensuring safe and effective blood transfusion is essential for improving healthcare and preventing the spread of blood-borne diseases worldwide. Medical students are a potential key resource for voluntary blood donation, particularly in medical college hospitals, which can help alleviate the shortage of blood products. Additionally, they have the potential to inspire a wider segment of the population to donate blood, thereby narrowing the gap between blood supply and demand. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to voluntary blood donation among undergraduate medical students at Gulf Medical University in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, and to identify the factors associated with these aspects. A cross-sectional, institution-based study was conducted among undergraduate medical students at Gulf Medical University. Data were gathered through a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to blood donation among 301 participants were assessed. The findings revealed no significant association between knowledge levels and demographics such as gender, marital status, residence, college, or academic year. While most participants were aware of blood donation procedures and benefits, actual donation practices were low, with 84.4% rarely donating blood. Key barriers included fear of needle pain and time constraints. Health professionals and social media were the primary sources of information, indicating the need for targeted educational interventions to improve blood donation rates. Students at Gulf Medical University are well-informed about blood donation, with many willing to donate. However, fears like needle pain and time constraints limit participation. Educational efforts could help overcome these barriers.

Prevalence, incidence, and residual risk for human immunodeficiency virus among blood donors from 2003 to 2022 in Guangzhou, China.

China's significant population affected by HIV poses a substantial threat to blood transfusion safety. Despite advancements in blood testing techniques, a residual risk of HIV transmission persists. Accurately assessing HIV epidemic and the residual risk is vital for monitoring blood supply safety and evaluating the effectiveness of new screening tests. We conducted a retrospective analysis of HIV detection results among voluntary blood donors from 2003 to 2022. The study included data on HIV-confirmed positive donors, HIV prevalence, infection risk factors, and an incidence-window period mathematical model to estimate the residual risk of HIV. Between 2003 and 2022, HIV prevalence among blood donors in Guangzhou showed a peak-shaped trend, initially increasing before declining. The overall HIV prevalence was 18.9 infections per 100,000 donations. Male donors had a significantly higher prevalence compared with female donors. Donors aged 26-35 years had the highest prevalence. Ethnic minority donors had a higher prevalence compared with Han donors. Repeat donors had a lower prevalence compared with first-time donors. Donors from other provinces had a higher prevalence compared with local donors. During the period of 2003 to 2022, the residual risk of HIV in Guangzhou steadily decreased, reaching a notable 1 in 526,316 donations in the past two years. The HIV epidemic among blood donors in Guangzhou remains severe, but the residual risk of HIV is decreasing. Novel detection methods have proven advantageous in reducing this residual risk. Implementing additional effective measures is imperative to ensure blood safety and curb the spread of HIV.

Blood transfusion in the Caribbean: Historical perspective in the context of Trinidad and Tobago.

To compare the historical development of blood transfusion in Britain and a former British West Indian colony. International transfusion bodies recommend national coordination and exclusively voluntary non-remunerated donation as essential pre-requisites for blood safety. These ideals have been achieved in high-income countries including Great Britain, the United States of America and Canada. However, most West Indian countries have fragmented, hospital-based blood services that rely on family replacement and remunerated donors. Comparative historical analysis of blood transfusion service development in Great Britain and Trinidad and Tobago was undertaken to provide insight into their dichotomous development and inform policy decisions to bridge the gap between the two types of transfusion service. The British National Blood Transfusion service was based on voluntary non-remunerated blood donation from its inception but achieved national coordination over 50 years that included a period of regional control during which incoordination contributed to a tainted blood scandal. Failure to establish community voluntary non-remunerated donation in Trinidad and Tobago during the colonial period, before independence in 1962, allowed regionally-controlled family replacement and remunerated blood donation to become entrenched then perpetuated by path dependence. A university-led programme has recently used historically-proven methods, drawing on the experiences of the British National Blood Transfusion Service, to establish a model for developing a voluntary non-remunerated programme. The programme aims to avoid historical pitfalls during its national extension. Historical analysis provided information for introducing voluntary non-remunerated blood donation and planning a nationally-coordinated blood transfusion service.

Biological Reference Ranges for Healthy Indian Blood Donors: Experience of a Tertiary Care Center Vis-à-Vis International Literature.

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

RHD Genotyping Characteristics of RhD-Negative Blood Donors in Wuhu Area

To investigate the molecular mechanism and distribution characteristics of RhD negative phenotypes in Han population of blood donors in Wuhu city. A total of 210 RhD- samples from August 2021 to August 2022 were screened by serological test and collected from Wuhu Central Blood Station for the voluntary blood donor population. Exons 1 and 10 of the RHD gene were amplificated by PCR to determine whether the samples had the RHD gene. Exons 1-10 of the RHD gene were amplificated by PCR and zygosity analysis were performed in 82 samples containing D gene, and Sanger sequencing was performed on 55 samples containing all RHD exons to determine the genotype. Among 210 RhD- specimens, 128 cases (60.38%) had RHD gene deletion. 27 cases had partial exons of RHD, including 2 cases with RHD*DVI.3/RHD*01N.01, 24 cases with RHD*01N.04/RHD*01N.01, and 1 case with RHD-CE(2-10)/RHD*01N.01. 55 cases had retained all of 10 exons, including 4 cases with RHD*01/RHD*01N.01, 6 cases with RHD*15/RHD*01N.01, 1 case with RHD*01W.72/RHD*01N.01, 1 case with RHD*15/RHD*01EL.01, 39 cases with RHD*01EL.01/RHD*01N.01, and the remaining 4 cases were determined to have no RHD gene deletion by zygosity analysis and sequencing showed the presence of 1227G>A mutation loci. There is polymorphism in the molecular mechanism of RhD- D gene in Wuhu blood donor population, among which RHD*01EL.01 and RHD*15 are the main variants in this region. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for RhD blood group identification and clinical blood transfusion in this region.

Understanding Blood Donation Practices in Gilgit, Pakistan An Anthropological Perspective

Blood is widely recognized as an essential bodily fluid crucial for sustaining life, and blood donation plays a critical role in saving lives. Ensuring access to a safe and sufficient supply of blood and its derivatives and reliable blood transfusion services is indispensable for a strong healthcare system. It is important to note that voluntary non-remunerated blood donors are the most reliable source of safe blood supply. In Pakistan, 70% of donated blood comes from replacement or paid donations, while only 10% comes from voluntary donations. In Gilgit, voluntary blood donation is scarce, and most blood comes from replacements. The respondents display limited understanding of blood transfusion, while they exhibit a positive attitude toward voluntary blood donation despite low participation. This discrepancy is attributed to inadequate awareness and campaigns, as well as prevalent myths and negative perceptions associated with blood and blood donation. Furthermore, sectarian-based segregation, the symbolic relationships between the donor and recipient and the exclusion of female blood donors exacerbate the gap between blood supply and demand. The research emphasises culturally suited solutions and strategies that can help enhance voluntary blood donation in Gilgit.

Prevalence of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections Among Voluntary Blood Donors in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background Transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) pose a significant risk to blood transfusion safety, especially in low-resource settings. TTIs include infections such as HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis, and malaria. Over four years, this study assesses the seroprevalence of TTIs among voluntary blood donors at a tertiary care center. Materials and methods This retrospective observational study was conducted at the blood bank of a tertiary care center from June 2019 to December 2022. A total of 4639 voluntary blood donors were screened for TTIs, including HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis, and malaria, using third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and rapid diagnostic tests. The data were analyzed to evaluate the seroprevalence of each infection and its trends over the study period. Results The overall prevalence of TTIs among the 4639 donors was 68 (1.46%). The highest seroprevalence was observed for HBV, with 33 (0.71%), followed by syphilis with 22 (0.47%), HIV with nine (0.19%), and HCV with four (0.08%). No cases of malaria were detected. The prevalence of TTIs was highest in 2021, with the seroprevalence of HBV peaking at 15 (1.14%). Male donors accounted for 4412 (98%) of all donations, and the prevalence of TTIs was significantly higher among males than females. Conclusion The study highlights the importance of continuous surveillance and screening for TTIs among blood donors to ensure transfusion safety. The higher seroprevalence of HBV underscores the need for effective vaccination programs, and the disparity in gender distribution calls for strategies to encourage female blood donations. TTIs remain a public health concern, necessitating improved donor screening and public awareness.

Trend of Infectious Disease Positivity in Exchange and Voluntary Blood Donors at Regional Blood Centre, Karachi

Trend of Infectious Disease Positivity in Exchange and Voluntary Blood Donors at Regional Blood Centre, Karachi

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.

Blood reserves and availability of blood preparations in University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosni and Herzegovina

INTRODUCTIONTransfusiontreatmentinmodernclinicalpracticeincludessubstitutiontherapy certaincomponentsoftheblood,whichadequatelyandeffectivelycontributetoquickrecoveryandhealing diseases[1].Almosteverybranchofmedicineistransfusion-dependent,startingwithsurgeryandinternalmedicine branchtodiagnosticones,wherethesafetyofthepatientisensuredbysubstitutionwithcertainblood preparations[2]. Bloodandbloodproductsdifferfromotherdrugsandpharmaceuticalpreparationswhile the only source is humanbloodfromvoluntarydonors[3].Inpractice theyusetwowaysofgettingblood,byvoluntarydonation,whenwholebloodistaken,whichisthemostcommon usedasastartingpointfortheproductionofotherdrugsfromblood,andbytheapheresisprocedureon cellseparator,whenonlyonebloodcomponentistaken,suchasplatelets,plasma, erythrocytes[1,4] Anadequatebloodtransfusionsupplyiscrucialforthefunctioningofthehealthsystem[5].Althoughtheyare bloodanditscomponentsrecentlyaddedtotheWHOessentialdruglist,insufficientbloodsuppliesinmost oflow-andmiddle-incomecountriesstillleadtomortalityandmorbidity,whichcan preventbyensuringsufficientbloodreserves[6,7]. Ensuringsufficientamountsofbloodimpliesstrategicconsiderationoflocal,epidemiological factors,demographicstructure,equipmentandabilitytoproducemedicinesfromwholeblood[8,9]. Currently,voluntaryblooddonationinmanylow-andmiddle-incomecountriesisnot adequately[10].Themainreasonsfortheunavailabilityofbloodisthehighprevalenceofviralhepatitisand inadequateproductionofbloodcomponents[11].Overallrelationsinsociety,socio-economicand demographicsareanimportantfactorforassessingthepossibilitiesofensuringstablereservesofsafeblood,which theyrepresentthenationalresourceofacountry[12].Theestimationofthedailyconsumptionofbloodproductsis unpredictablenature,duetopossibleincidentsituations,naturaldisasters,andlimited lifetimeofdifferentpreparations.Thelimitedlifespanofbloodincreasesthenumberofunuseddoses, resultinginadecreaseinstablereservesandhighcosts[6]. AccordingtoWHOguidelines,recommendationsforensuringstablebloodreservesinclude10to20 donationsper1000inhabitants[13].Theseassessmentsareimportantbecausetheycanservetoguidefurtherones investmentsinstrategiestoensuresufficientamountsofblood,thenanalysisofcurrenttransfusionpractice, introductionofrationalizationmeasuresduringtransfusiontreatmentandimplementationofthesystemfor bloodmanagement[14,15].IntheareaofTuzlaCanton,theannualblooddonationisapprox. 13000doses.Formorethanthreedecades,thePolyclinicforTransfusionhasbeenproducingvariousmedicinesfrom blood,whoselifespanandstoragemethodaredifferent,namely:wholeblood,erythrocyteconcentrate,concentrateerythrocyteswithareducednumberofleukocytes,irradiatederythrocyteconcentrate,freshfrozenplasma, plateletconcentrate,plateletconcentratewithreducednumberofleukocytes,irradiatedconcentrate platelets,plateletapheresisconcentrateandcryoprecipitate. MATERIALANDMETHODSThis retrospective study was carried out at the Polyclinic for Transfusion, University Clinical Center Tuzla data from the Renovatio information system in the period from July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Data were analyzed on voluntary blood donors (age and gender), who donated blood during that period. Then data on the number of blood doses collected, as well as the number and type of medicines produced from blood (whole blood, erythrocyte concentrate, erythrocyte concentrate with reduced number of leukocytes, irradiated concentrate platelets, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, platelet concentrate, platelet concentrate with a reduced number of leukocytes, irradiated platelet concentrate, irradiated platelet concentrate with reduced number of leukocytes, as well as platelet concentrate produced by the apheresis method using of the Amicus cell separator. Also, data was collected for patients who received blood preparations: age, gender, diagnosis, type of blood preparation indicated, name of the clinic where the patients were hospitalized, and the type and quantity of blood products issued. RESULTSThelargestnumberofdonatedbloodunitswasusedinthepreparationoffreshfrozenplasma,5742units,then5498unitsofplateletconcentrate,797unitsofcryoprecipitate,and308unitsofconcentrate plateletswithareducednumberofleukocytes,200unitsofirradiatedplateletconcentrateand119units irradiatedplateletconcentratewithareducednumberofleukocytes (Figure 1).

The association between attitude towards facemasks, quality of donation experience and relationship with healthcare providers: A cross-sectional exploratory study.

Facemasks represent an essential measure of prevention against the spread of infectious diseases; however, they lessen the ability to convey and understand emotions through facial expressions. In blood donation settings, facemask wearing could interfere with professionals' tasks, reduce the satisfaction of blood donors and affect their future blood donation behaviour. This preliminary cross-sectional study explored the association of mandatory facemask wearing with the quality of the blood donation process at the end of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A sample of 615 voluntary unpaid Italian blood and plasma donors completed an online survey assessing their attitude towards facemask wearing, the perceived distress due to facemasks in the different steps of the donation process, self-reported vasovagal reactions after donation and the intention to donate again. Nearly 24% of donors reported a worsened quality of the donation process due to facemask wearing, and 36% reported moderate to severe distress during the donation itself. Donors with a more negative attitude towards facemasks reported a worse donation experience, mainly related to the interactions and the communication with physicians and nurses, and a higher probability of experiencing vasovagal reactions at their last donation. No significant correlations were observed between negative facemask attitudes towards facemask wearing, distress or future intention to donate blood/plasma. Facemasks have worsened the quality of blood and plasma donations for one fourth of donors, confirming the interference with the quality of communications and relationships with healthcare professionals.

Knowledge Attitudes and Practices of Voluntary Blood Donation among University Students in Nigeria: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Knowledge Attitudes and Practices of Voluntary Blood Donation among University Students in Nigeria: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

The Influence of Service Quality and Social Media on Blood Donation Interest in Indonesian Red Cross South Sulawesi Province

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) is the only organization that has the authority to provide blood transfusion services. In 2021, the number of donors at the Indonesian Red Cross Blood Donation Unit, South Sulawesi Province, was 10,265 people, with 2,168 people taking blood from activities inside the building or around 21% and taking blood outside the building as many as 8,097 or around 79% (UDD PMI South Sulawesi Province, 2021) of the total population in South Sulawesi which reached 8,956,181 people, this proves that interest in blood donation is low (BPS, 2021). The demand for blood for blood transfusions is increasing. The minimum need for blood in Indonesia has reached around 5.1 million bags per year or 2% of the population, (WHO 2016). The Indonesian Red Cross Blood Donor Unit for South Sulawesi Province has not been able to meet the target of voluntary blood donations in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) requirement for voluntary donors of at least 2% of the population. This research aims to analyzing the influence of service quality and social media on interested in donating blood. The novelty of this research of Service Quality and Social Media on Interest in Blood Donation in the Indonesian Red Cross Blood Donation Unit, South Sulawesi Province in 2022. Using quantitative descriptive research using a questionnaire instrument with multiple linear regression method. The Service Quality and Social Media has a positive and significant effect on Interest in Blood Donation at UDD PMI South Sulawesi Province. Limitations of research is not measured from the many existing social media so it cannot be known which ones contributed the most of donors

The characteristic of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB3/4/5, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DPA1, and HLA-DPB1 alleles in Zhejiang Han population.

The Zhejiang Han population, a subgroup of the Southern Han ethnic group, resides in Zhejiang Province, situated on the southeast coast of China. In this study, we conducted HLA genotyping for 813 voluntary umbilical cord blood donors from the Zhejiang Han population, targeting 11 HLA loci, namely HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB3/4/5, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DPA1, and HLA-DPB1, using the next-generation sequencing method. Our analysis of the alleles and haplotypes revealed a high degree of polymorphism within these loci. A total of 289 unique HLA alleles were identified, with the HLA-B locus exhibiting the most significant diversity, while HLA-DRB4 displayed the lowest variation. Due to the inherent limitations of the sequencing method, some unresolvable alleles in the specific loci, such as HLA-DRB1, HLA-DPA1, and HLA-DPB1, were assigned as G group designation. In our comprehensive analysis across all 11 HLA loci, a total of 1204 haplotypes were estimated. The distribution of these alleles was similar to those of the Chinese Southern Han population while highly different from the Caucasian population. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic characteristics of HLA loci within the Chinese Southern Han population.