Prevalence and factors associated with vasovagal reaction among whole blood donors in hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Adverse donor reactions (ADR) are common to occur during the blood donation process. The most common is vasovagal reactions (VVR) and it cause negative impact in the donor return rate. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of VVR among blood donors and to study its associated factors, at Hospital University Sains Malaysia (USM). This retrospective case-control study was conducted from June 2018, until June 2021. Data was extracted from the blood bank database system and from donor adverse reaction form. Donors who developed adverse donor reactions were chosen and without VVR were chosen at random as controls. A total of 159 donors, out of 35 134 donors were reported to have VVR which resulted in an overall prevalence of 0.45 %. Dizziness or mild VVR were the most frequently observed adverse reactions, accounting for approximately 87/159 (54.7 %) of all adverse reactions. Multiple logistic regression (MLR) analysis showed VVR were significantly associated with age, female gender, first-time donor, and 450 ml volume of blood collected. The prevalence of vasovagal reactions among blood donors in this study was low which was similar to a few previous studies. Although it was low, still it is very important to reduce risks to a minimum so that the donor return rate could be maintained. The information regarding its associated factors can be used to identify high-risk donors to prevent the incidence in the future.     

Reporting of delayed adverse donor reactions in whole blood donors: Just the tip of an iceberg!

Background and objectivesThe study was planned to determine the incidence and analyze how various epidemiological factors tend to be associated with delayed adverse donor reactions (ADR).Material and methodsThe prospective observational study was conducted in Department of Transfusion Medicine of tertiary care hospital from January to December 2019. Eligible blood donors were observed for any adverse reactions after 15 minutes of removal of phlebotomy needle. Further, telephonic calls were made to each enrolled blood donor on day-2 and day-7 of the whole blood donation. For each day, two calls were made at an interval of 4 hours before declaring the participant to be non-responder.ResultsA total of 1540 (84.1%) blood donors responded on day-2 and 1610 (87.9%) responded on day-7 of follow-up. Total 180 (11.2%) blood donors experienced delayed ADRs. Two donors (1.1%) experienced on-site while 178 (98.89%) reported off-site delayed ADRs when followed-up telephonically. The commonest delayed ADRs reported were bruise (n = 72; 30.9%), arm-pain (n = 61; 26.2%) and generalised weakness (n = 44; 18.9%). Female donors (27.3% vs. 11.2%; P = 0.004), first time donors (15.2 vs. 9.9%; P = 0.002), donors with low body-weight (range of 45–60 kg; 15.9% vs. 11.5% vs. 6.1%; P = 0.011) and body mass index < 18.5 (24% vs. 12.5% vs. 9.7% vs. 11.3%; P = 0.028) experienced more delayed ADRs.ConclusionBlood donors do experience delayed ADRs but these are not reported to the blood centers as these are usually mild. However, it is important to capture these delayed adverse donor reactions and report it to National Hemovigilance Program so that strategies can be formulated to prevent their occurrence and recurrence.     

Delayed adverse reaction in donors after whole blood donation: Is it a matter of concern?

BackgroundBlood donation has a remarkable safety record and most of the donors have a good experience or only mild symptoms after blood donation were noted. Although even a very low rate of reactions may have gloomy effect diminishing their fondness to donate again. The main aim of our study was to determine the incidence and to analyze how various donor demographic factors tend to be associated with delayed adverse donor reactions (ADR).Material and methodsThe prospective observational study was conducted in Department of Immuno-hematology and Blood Transfusion of tertiary care hospital. All the whole blood donors, who gave consent to participate in the study were contacted telephonically after 24 hours and day 7 after donation. The donor who couldn’t be contacted telephonically, was tried again at an interval of four hours in a day for two consecutive days before declaring the participant to be non-responder.ResultsA total of 2495 (92.4%) blood donors experienced delayed ADRs. The commonest delayed ADRs reported were generalized weakness (24.6%), bruises (24.2%) followed by painful arm (14.5%). Females, first-time blood donors, donors with low BMI and donors engaged in manual labor were more vulnerable to develop any adverse reactions.ConclusionBlood donors can experience delayed ADRs. It is important to prevent these reactions especially in susceptible donors. Proper awareness and training to the staff was provided to minimize the incidence of ADR.     

Incidence and risk predictors analysis of adverse donor reactions in whole blood donation

ObjectiveAdverse donor reactions in normal healthy blood donors is not unusual. However, these unpleasant effects have a negative impact on donor retention. Adverse event due to blood donation is multifactorial in origin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the frequency and type of adverse donor reactions during or after blood donation. More importantly, this study also aimed at analyzing important risk predictors of adverse donor reaction.Material and methodsThis was a retrospective study conducted from May 2017 to April 2019 in the department of Transfusion Medicine at a tertiary care center in eastern India. Data were stored in Microsoft excel 2016 by using a standardized format as per ISBT criteria and analyzed with software “R, version 3.5.3” to find out the various independent precipitating factor.ResultsOverall, 107 donors (0.98%) experienced adverse events with 10,814 whole blood donations. The first time, females, younger age donors (18–30 years), and donors with a mean arterial blood pressure of less than 90 mm of Hg were the most important independent risk factors predicting the possibility of adverse donor reaction. Donors’ weight, hemoglobin, and the type of donation had not affected the frequency of adverse events.ConclusionAnalysis of adverse donor reactions helps in selecting the blood donors who are at risk of donor reactions. Our study highlights the importance of proper predonation screening especially in terms of assessment of mean blood pressure, along with identification of first time and female blood donors in order to reduce untoward donor reaction.     

Motivation et sociologie des donneurs de sang en Tunisie : réalités et perspectives

In Tunisia, blood donation is voluntary, anonymous and non-remunerated. The aim of the study is to analyze donor motivation and sociology in the regional center of transfusion of Sfax. Between 14 May 2007 and 23 June 2007, a total of 903 Tunisian blood donors filled a questionnaire. Among the donors, 81.8% were men and have a mean age of 34.2 years and the majority of them have an age between 18 and 29 years. The middle social class was majority (77.8%) as well as the liberal profession (65.1%). Primary and secondary education were dominant (79.3%). Among the blood donors, 41.6% were new donors and 28.6% had a history of a single donation, 50.3% were voluntary and 49.7% replacement donors. The reasons motivating the voluntary donation were solidarity (69.9%), religion (21.2%), health benefit (3.6%) and insurance for the family (5.2%). The replacement donors refuse the voluntary donation for not obvious reasons (51%), lack of availability (13.3%), difficulties of accessibility of the sites of collection (7.6%), phobia of the blood and the stings (4.02%) or by refusal of blood donation (1.79%). The information and the raising awareness of the replacement donors could change in a near future their attitudes to become voluntary and regular donors. The implication of donor associations in the organization of the collections and the promotion of the blood donation would be of considerable contribution.     

Assessment of blood supply and usage pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic: A lesson from non-voluntary donation

BackgroundEnsuring steady stream of safe blood is the ultimate goal of blood transfusion practice. The current COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every part of life and economy. Consequently, this study sets off to assess the effect of the pandemic on blood supply and blood transfusion in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.MethodsData from the Donor Clinic and Blood Group Serology Unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital were retrospectively extracted to evaluate supply and use of blood before and during COVID-19 pandemic.ResultA total of 1638 donors were recorded within the study period. Age range 15–29 and 30–44 years constituted majority of the subjects (58.9% and 33.4%, respectively). The donor pool were male-dominated. Commercial donors (61.7%) and family replacement donors (30.6%) constituted majority of the donor pool. Most of the donor pool were students (37.1%), public servants (22.8%) and artisans (18.6%). A concomitant decrease of 26.1% and 18.9% were recorded in blood donation and request during the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionBlood supply was not significantly affected in our study center as both requests and donations decreased. Consideration for improving family replacement donation was advised.     

Les hépatites B et C chez les donneurs bénévoles de sang et non rémunérés de l’Est de la République démocratique du Congo

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of hepatitis B and C among voluntary blood donor.MethodsIn the study, 1079 blood donors were included. The investigation was carried out from 1 January till 31 December 2010 in the central Blood Bank of Bukavu in DRC. The median age of sample was 26 years. In total, 72.4% among them were male sex and 54.5% of new blood donors.ResultsThe prevalence of hepatitis B was 4.2% and hepatitis C was found in 3.8% case the coinfection VHB and VHC with 2.2%. VHB was prevalent in blood donor group of less than 30 years (5.0%), new blood donor (5.1%), in medical profession (7.1%) and in the male sex group (5.1%) and was significantly according to the sex (P = 0.01) and the place of residence (P = 0.002). A strong association was showed between the rural medium and hepatitis B OR 3,1 (1.4–6.5) and VHC OR 2.9 (1.3–6.5). After estimation with logistic regression a higher risk of seropositivity of VHB found in blood donor sex male group, married group, blood donor coming from the rural middle and having less than 30 years.ConclusionFor blood safety, a particular attention must be laid in the selection of donor before a blood donation and in donation in reagent.     

早期护理干预对降低血站采血点无偿献血者献血反应的影响

目的 观察早期护理干预降低血站采血点无偿献血者献血反应的效果。方法 选择2017年8月~2018年8月本中心100名无偿献血者作为研究对象,随机分为对照组和观察组,各50名。对照组实施常规护理,观察组实施早期护理干预。比较两组献血反应及献血前、中、后对护理的满意度。结果 观察组献血反应发生率为6.00%,低于对照组的24.00%,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;观察组献血前、中、后满意度评分分别为（98.14±1.00）分、（92.65±7.11）分及（93.45±2.35）分,高于对照组的（74.51±6.29）分、（75.00±4.81）分及（70.28±3.65）分,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 早期护理干预能够降低血站采血点无偿献血者意识异常、皮肤湿冷等献血反应的发生率,确保血液合格及献血安全,有助于提高献血者对护理工作的满意度。     

Is high hemoglobin a hindrance factor for blood donation? A pilot observational study from the coastal region of India

BackgroundBlood donors with high Hb are often deferred for the presumed risk of polycythemia vera (PV). However, adequate data to substantiate or refute this hypothesis is lacking.MethodologyWe conducted an observational study on blood donors found to have high hemoglobin (Hb ≥ 18 g/dL) during the pre-donation screening process using a portable hemoglobinometer at our blood center for four months. We adopted a cost effective methodology wherein a questionnaire was used to elicit the secondary causative factors of high hemoglobin and a complete blood count test to observe the blood cell parameters and JAK2V617F mutation test was performed in a subset of donors lacking secondary erythrocytosis (SE) history.ResultsOf the total 7076 donors enrolled, 112 male donors (1.58%) had high hemoglobin. The majority (70.4%) were repeat donors with mean age of 31.4 years. About 61% of the donors had attributable factors for SE like smoking, occupational exposure to carbon monoxide. The mean hemoglobin value of capillary and venous hemoglobin demonstrated a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) where 2.7% of donors had venous Hb < 18 g/dL. The hematological profile of all the donors showed increased RBC but normal platelet and WBC count. Of 24 donors included for the JAK2V617F test, none had a positive report.ConclusionThis study suggests high hemoglobin in blood donors is less likely due to PV. Hence, re-considering their deferral may help alleviate donor anxiety and allow donor return. However, multi-centric studies are required to develop consensus statements on PV risk status and blood donation eligibility.     

Measuring public awareness about blood donation in Assir,South-Western Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesBlood transfusion is a life-saving measure in many acute and chronic conditions. Voluntary blood donation by healthy donors has been promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure the availability of safe blood. Difficulty in the recruitment of donors and their retention is a problem faced in most populations. A paucity of research to identify barriers to blood donation in the Southwestern region of Saudi Arabia prompted us to explore this important public health issue.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional survey was performed using a pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising of questions on demographical details, awareness regarding blood donations, perceived barriers to blood donations, attitude towards blood donation, etc. was distributed to the general population in Assir region through one to one contact in big malls, hospital area as well as electronically through social media. The data thus collected was statistically analysed using appropriate tests.ResultsA total of 844 subjects were surveyed. Most of the respondents (65.0%) reported not having donated blood in the past. The blood donation was found to have a significant relationship (≤ 0.05) with age, gender, occupation, and education status. Roughly, 40.0% of the respondents suggested that blood donation could be promoted by raising public awareness.ConclusionGaps were identified in the awareness of the studied population regarding blood donation. Specific awareness drives may help overcome these barriers to voluntary blood donation.     

Donor vigilance: progress and challenges

Background Internationally, there is increased interest in reporting, treating and attempting to reduce complications of blood donation. Donor haemovigilance is the systematic monitoring of adverse reactions and incidents in the whole chain of blood donor care, with a view to improving quality and safety for blood donors. International Developments Several studies have described the risk factors for vasovagal reactions – female donors, young age, first-time status, low body weight, etc. A water drink before donation, use of applied muscle tension and social support during donation have been found effective in reducing minor vasovagal reactions and/or increasing the likelihood of donors returning for subsequent donations. Haematomas and other venepuncture-related complications are frequent and are the predominant cause of long-term morbidity from complications of blood donation. International surveillance data on donor complications are captured in ‘ISTARE’ International Surveillance database for Transfusion-associated Adverse Reactions and Events, which is being developed by the International Hemovigilance Network. Experience in The Netherlands: Better Monitoring of Donor Complications, Where Next? All donor complications and procedural problems are routinely recorded in the computer system eProgesa. Since 2009, the results have been monitored. An improved coding list was introduced in 2010 in order to record more details and cover new procedures such as Rhesus immunizations. The overall rate of donor complications increased from 0·64 in 2009 to 0·80 per 1000 whole blood collections (second half of 2010) and from 1·34 to 1·40 per 1000 plasmaphereses; there were no changes in donor demographics or procedures to explain this, so better recording is presumed. The recorded complications and procedural problems are regularly presented in team leaders’ and regional directors’ meetings. The data have been used to analyse the effect of a procedural modification: increasing the concentration of citrate solution used in plasmapheresis. The rate of terminating procedures because of citrate reactions was 0·14 per 1000 collections [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·018–0·27] before and 0·09 (95% CI 0·018–0·17) after the modification, signifying no relevant change. It is hoped that in 2012 a revised donor information brochure with instructions on avoiding vasovagal reactions will be piloted and subsequently tested. Nevertheless, only immediate and short-term complications can be effectively addressed by the recording and analysis of complications. Longer term issues such as whole blood donor iron status are the subject of research in our country and abroad. Conclusion In our country as well as elsewhere, recording and monitoring the incidence of complications of blood donation has become the norm. Knowledge of risk factors and evidence-based interventions will enable blood establishments worldwide to reduce donor complications. As yet, longer term complications are not well addressed.     

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among potential convalescent plasma donors and analysis of their deferral pattern: Experience from tertiary care hospital in western India

Background and objectivesSeroprevalence estimation of COVID-19 is quite necessary for controlling the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Seroprevalence rate in recovered COVID-19 patients help us to identify individual with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and its protective nature. The objective of present study was to evaluate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among potential convalescent plasma donors and analysis of their deferral reasons.Materials and methodsA total 400 potential convalescent plasma donors were enrolled over five-month period for this prospective study. Inclusion criteria were lab confirmed COVID-19 recovered patients and 14 days of symptoms free period. All prospective plasmapheresis donors were tested for IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibody through chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, CBC, serum protein, blood grouping along with other required test for normal blood donation as per Drugs & Cosmetics Act. After pre donation testing and medical examination if donor was found to be ineligible for plasmapheresis was deferred. Seroprevalence rate was calculated by positive IgG antibody test results among the potential plasma donors.ResultsSeroprevalence rate was 87% for IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in prospective convalescent plasma donors (recovered COVID-19 patients). There was no significant difference in seroprevalence rate between different sub-groups with respect to gender, age, blood groups, Rh factor, mode of treatment, day of Ab testing and repeat plasma donation. Most common reason for their deferral was absent IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (13%) followed by absenteeism of eligible screen donors (6.7%), low Hb (1.7%) and poor veins for plasmapheresis (1.7%). Till five-month study period none of the plasmapheresis develop symptoms of reinfection with COVID-19.ConclusionIn all, 13% recovered patients did not develop IgG antibodies after SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies persist for quite some time and are protective against reinfection. More long-term serology studies are needed to understand better antibody response kinetics and duration of persistence of IgG antibodies.     

Detection of asymptomatic Leishmania donovani in healthy voluntary blood donors

ObjectiveTo check incidence of Asymptomatic Leishmania donovani reporting to Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion Rawalpindi.Material and MethodsTwo thousand (n = 2000) consecutive healthy voluntary blood donors were tested for 18 s rRNA by Real time Polymerase chain reaction. One thousand (n = 1000) subject’s permanent resident of Azad Kashmir along with a thousand (n = 1000) healthy voluntary blood donors from rest of Pakistan were included. The study was carried out over a period of three months Jun – Aug 2020.ResultsTotal of 2000 blood donors were enrolled in the study, all were males with age ranging from 16 to 60 years. Stratification based on residence, 1000 (50 %) resided in the Azad kashmir, 349 (17.45 %) were from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, 541 (27.05 %) from Punjab mainly residing in Lahore and Multan, 110 (5.5 %) were from other cities of Pakistan. Grouping on the basis of age, 55.25 % ( n = 1105) of the donors were 16–25 years old, 19.45 % ( n = 389) were in age range of 26–40 years old, 15.55 % ( n = 311) were 41–50 years old and 9.75 % ( n = 195) 51–60 years old. No donor was diagnosed as an asymptomatic carrier.ConclusionScreening of blood donors for Leishmania donovani is not recommended.     

Advancing blood transfusion safety using molecular detection in the country of Georgia

BackgroundIn 2015, the country of Georgia initiated its hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination program. Given a high background incidence of HCV infection, centralized nucleic acid testing (NAT) of blood donations was prioritized for implementation.Study design and methodsMultiplex NAT screening for HIV, HCV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) was launched in January 2020. An analysis was conducted of serological and NAT donor/donation data for the first year of screening (through December 2020).ResultsA total of 54,116 donations representing 39,164 unique donors were evaluated. Overall, 671 donors (1.7%) tested positive for at least one infectious marker by serology or NAT, with the highest prevalence among donors aged 40–49 years (2.5%; n = 200), male (1.9%; n = 524), replacement (2.8%; n = 153) and first time (2.1%; n = 642) donors. Sixty donations were seronegative but NAT positive, and therefore would not have been found by traditional serology testing alone. These were more likely among female vs. male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.06; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.05–4.05), paid (aOR 10.15; 95%CI: 2.80–36.86) or voluntary (aOR 4.30; 95%CI: 1.27–14.56) vs replacement, and repeat vs. first time (aOR 13.98; 95%CI: 4.06–48.12) donors. On repeat serological testing (including HBV core antibody [HBcAb] testing), 6 HBV + donations, 5 HCV + donations and 1 HIV + donations were deemed NAT yield (detected through the implementation of NAT, and would have otherwise been missed by serology screening alone).ConclusionThis analysis offers a regional model for NAT implementation, demonstrating the feasibility and clinical utility in a nationwide blood program.     

Blood donor screening for parvovirus B19

A programme of blood donor screening for parvovirus B19 was conducted from January to May 1990. The main aim of the study was to identify a B19 positive donation that could be used as a source of viral antigen for diagnostic serology. Out of 24000 donors tested one was positive for B19 antigen by counter current immunoelectrophoresis and over 100 ml of undiluted B19 containing material was obtained. However, much of the positive donation was incorporated in a plasma pool of 28 donations. An acid dissociation technique was used to recover B19 antigen from immune complexes formed in the plasma pool.     

Lecture: Blood Donation Program in the Asia Pacific Region

As part of the Asia Pacific Blood Network (APBN) comparison of practice program, member countries review blood donor management practices to understand emerging trends in the region, and identify good practice opportunities which may benefit other members. Our membership includes Australia, Beijing, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. From 2006, we have jointly collected information for a range of donor related measures, including age and sex distribution of donors, criteria for donation, donation volumes and frequencies, transfusion transmitted disease rates, additional donor health screening initiatives and donor deferrals. Analysis of the donor management information both among member countries, and for individual countries over a period of 4 years, provides a useful window into some of the donor characteristics for our region. Whilst there are significant variations in population size of countries, there are shared trends in donor patterns subsequent to local disasters, reasons for donor deferrals, and the need for continued focus on relevant and effective donor retention and recruitment strategies. We continue to see lower red cell utilisation rates in Asia, in general a younger donor population with higher representation of male donors, and low haemoglobin as the single most common reason for donor deferral for most members. APBN members are actively pursuing opportunities for shared donor management approaches, and the progress with these strategies in addition to an overview of regional donor measure is provided.     

Introduction of a program for voluntary blood donations in Iran (blood transfusion status in Iran)

Background A national and well-coordinated system is very effective for blood self sufficiency of a country; this system might be committed to follow all requirements and standards. It should manifest itself strong and well-established in reality and practice so that all potential donors trust it and contribute. Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) is an example of a centralized network with 200 centers in 31 provinces which could only be decentralized in some aspects of blood donor recruitment based on the cultural and regional attributes of the people there. Methods The mission of IBTO is to provide and ensure a safe and adequate blood supply in Iran. Selection of low risk donors in pre-donation consultation and interview sessions based on behavioral, medical and demographic factors has improved the transfusion safety even before specific lab screening tests have been conducted; Standardization of criteria for donor eligibility and exclusion, and donor screening procedures are all priorities and most importantly the collection of all blood donations just from voluntary nonremunerated (VNR) blood donors. In fact, a lot of efforts concentrated on recruitment of VNR donors and to this end the Blood Donor Recruitment and Retention Office was established. A variety of measures were made to increase the number of voluntary regular donors including technical efforts, information dissemination activities, demographic studies, campaigns, awareness raising programs, publicity, publications, commemorative ceremonies and the like. Results The annual donation index in Iran has greatly increased from 0.39 in 1974 to 25.3 in 2010–2011. Accordingly we have been witness to increasing trend of blood donation reaching about 2 million blood units in 2011, all of which obtained from voluntary non-remunerated blood donors with the annual index of 26 per 1000 population. Conclusions It shows that every country based on its needs should establish a very effective and safe program to raise the number of its voluntary blood donors and to this end centralization of activities monitored by a headquarters and implementation of an efficient recruitment plan by which all aspects are covered and monitored: ranging from stages prior to donor selection including campaigns and activities to motivate populations to embark on donation, donor selection, screening, retention, statistical audit, continuous evaluation of donation sites, ease of access to donation centers, demographic attributes, donor reactions, to post donation era to ensure high return rate and so on so forth. All in all, availability and affordability are the issues which should be always guaranteed.     

Evaluation of blood donors questionnaire in a developing country: The case of Gabon

BackgroundBlood transfusion is a life-saving therapeutic act without alternative. Each blood transfusion carries the risk of blood-borne pathogens transmission. The present study, is the first establishing the usefulness of blood donors screening questionnaire in the setting of the Gabonese National Blood Transfusion Center.Study designNine hundred and thirty-four blood donors aged between 18 and 48 years old were initially enrolled and submitted to physical examination (body-mass index and blood pressure). After physical examination 854 donors were judged fit for blood donation and were randomly distributed in two groups. The first group of donors did not take the screening questionnaire; whereas the second group went through the screening questionnaire. Both groups were then tested for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis.ResultsData revealed a seroprevalence among the donors of 2.5%, 2.5%, 1.1%, and 3.3% for the human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis markers respectively. In the Gabonese setting, blood donors’ screening questionnaire reduced respectively by 0.6%, 0.35% and 1.3% the proportion of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and treponema pallidum seroreactive donors being selected for donation. The questionnaire had no positive effect on discriminating human immunodeficiency virus positive donors.ConclusionBlood donors’ seroprevalence of blood-borne pathogens is relatively important in our setting. Blood donors’ screening questionnaire reduced the proportion of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis seropositive blood donors. The questionnaire did not effectively discriminate human immunodeficiency virus-infected donor candidates.     

Retrospective analysis of molecular biology mechanism of ABO blood group typing discrepancy among blood donors in Jinan blood station

BackgroundTo accurately identify ABO blood typing in pre-transfusion testing is very important to ensure blood transfusion safely, which is a major responsibility of blood station.MethodsEighty-one blood donors samples with ABO blood group typing discrepancy was collected among 61952 donor samples in our blood station from January 2019 to July 2020. Blood group serological method was used to detect ABO blood group. DNA Sequencing was used to determine the genotype. The antibody screening test detects antibodies other than ABO.ResultsIn total, 61,952 donor samples were analysed for ABO typing discrepancies. The incidence among blood donors was 0.13% (81/61952). The most common reason of ABO typing discrepancies was due to specific antibody or non-specific agglutination (54.32%, 44/81), mainly anti-M antibody, cold autoantibody, anti-D antibody, anti-N antibody and anti-Lea antibody. The major cause of forward typing discrepancies among blood donors was ABO subgroups (25.93%, 21/81), including 10 cases of A subtype (1 case of A2, 2 cases of A3, 2 cases of Ax, 3 cases of AxB, 1 case of Ael, 1 case of Ahm), 6 cases of B subtype (2 cases of B3, 1 case of Bel, 3 cases of AB3), 2 cases of B subtype (A), 1 case of cisAB, and 2 cases of acquired B. The serum antibody was weakened in 16 cases (19.75%).ConclusionsThe blood types should be correctly identified by combining serology with gene sequencing to ensure the safety of clinical blood transfusion, when the forward and reverse typing discrepancies among the blood donors.