West Nile virus (WNV), a single-stranded RNA flavivirus, is primarily spread by the mosquito Aedes albopictus. The only screening test used for WNV is nucleic acid testing (NAT), although IgG and IgM antibody testing may be used for donor counseling.…
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is primarily transmitted through blood exposure. It is a single-stranded RNA flavivirus, distinguished by a low rate of recognized acute infection and a high rate of chronic infection that results in substantial morbidity and mortality over…
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus from the family Hepadnaviridae . It is transmitted parenterally, sexually, and perinatally. Every blood donation is tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and HBV nucleic acid…
Screening donated blood for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is critical to maintaining a safe blood supply. HIV transmission by intravenous administration of infected blood products proved to be highly efficient and accordingly, shortly after HIV-1 discovery in 1983, donor deferral…
Safe and available blood products are critical requirements for the optimal functioning of any advanced medical system. Ensuring blood product safety relies on active surveillance and timely recognition of emerging transfusion-transmissible infections, recruitment and selection of low-risk donors, robust donor…
Each blood component must have its ABO and D antigen status tested as a primary mechanism of preventing ABO-incompatible blood transfusions and D antigen sensitization. Additionally, components must be tested for the presence of unexpected, clinically significant antibodies to prevent…
Blood components, including red blood cell (RBC), plasma, platelet, and granulocyte products, are prepared either from whole blood (WB) or by automated apheresis donation. Component preparation and manufacturing allow each component to be manufactured and stored under optimal conditions. Component…
About 2%–5% of whole blood donors experience some form of reaction although most are mild vasovagal reactions and small hematomas. Reactions are more likely to occur in young (≤20 years old), low weight/blood volume, first-time, and female donors. Vasovagal reactions…
Recipient-specific blood components are typically donated in three circumstances: exceptional medical need, directed donation, and autologous donations. Aside from specific donor qualifications, evaluating need and appropriate use of these specific components requires balanced medical oversight and optimal communication between ordering…
In the United States, 14% of RBC, 12% of plasma, and 91% of platelet products collected in 2015 were collected by apheresis procedures (for granulocyte products, see Chapter 7 ). Manufacture of blood components by apheresis provides many advantages over…