ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the epidemic of severe acute respiratory symdrome(SARS) in Beijing blood donors and make guidance for assuring blood safety during SARS epidemic.Methods Using SARSCoV Ab ELISA Kits, specimens from 2357 donors from Beijing during SARS epidemic phase,1079 preserved samples from Beijing donors collected well before the SARS epidemic,1183 donors from Shandong and Hunan provinces where no SARS had been reported were screed for IgG,IgM,and total antibodies against SARS coronavirus.Donors with reactive samples were followed up,RT PCR were performed to detect the SARS CoV RNA.Results There was no significant difference between the 3 groups of specimens and there was no SARS epidemic or subclinical SARS infections among Beijing blood donors.Conclusion Instead of blood SARS CoV Ab screening, we should focus on the donors inquiry,physical examination and education to prevent SARS transmission by transfusion.