Frequency of the DI*A, DI*B and Band 3 Memphis polymorphism among distinct groups in Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Band 3 is a red blood cell protein that carries the Dia and Dib antigens from the Diego blood system. The SLC4A1 gene encodes Band 3; Band 3 Memphis is a polymorphism of normal Band 3 and has two variants, but only the variant II carries the Dia antigen. Objectives: Describe the frequencies of the DI*A and DI*B alleles and the Band 3 Memphis among blood donors, sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and Amazonian Indians. Methods: A total of 427 blood samples were collected and separated into three groups: 206 unrelated blood donors, 90 patients with SCD and 131 Amazonian Indians. We performed DI*A/B, normal Band 3 and Band 3 Memphis genotyping, using the Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The frequency of the DI*A/DI*A genotype was 0.5% in blood donors and it was not found in other groups. The frequency of the DI*A/DI*B was higher in Amazonian Indians (33.6%) and the frequency of the DI*B/DI*B was highest in blood donors (92.2%). All 105 individuals tested were positive for the presence of normal Band 3 and of these individuals, only 5/105 (4.8%) presented the Band 3 Memphis mutation. Conclusion: We observed a higher frequency of the DI*B allele in blood donors and a low frequency of the DI*A/DI*A genotype in all groups studied. The Band 3 Memphis was found in a higher frequency in the blood donor group. Our findings highlight the importance of analyzing different population groups to gain a better understanding of the genetic association of blood group antigens.

Perfil epidemiológico e prevalência de inaptidão clínica e sorológica entre candidatos à doação de sangue / Epidemiological profile and prevalence of clinical and serological disability among candidates for blood donation / Perfil epidemiológico y prevalencia de discapacidad clínica y serológica en candidatos a donación de sangre

Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico e identificar as causas prevalentes de inaptidão clínica e sorológica entre os candidatos à doação nos últimos cinco anos. Método: trata-se de um estudo seccional, exploratório e analítico. Os dados foram obtidos por meio do Sistema Hemote Plus®. Resultados: a maioria dos candidatos eram homens (50,9%), de 20 a 29 anos (34,0%), brancos (66,7%), solteiros (59,9%) com ensino médio completo (33,3%) e motivação espontânea (65,5%). Dentre eles,25,9% foram considerados inaptos. As causas mais prevalentes de inaptidão foram: anemia (27,7%) e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (12,4%). Tenderam mais à inaptidão as mulheres (57,9%), indivíduos menor nível de escolaridade (53,9%), e com menos de 39 anos (65,5%). Conclusão: evidencia-se a necessidade de práticas educativas e orientação sobre comportamentos de risco na captação de doadores e triagem clínica, ressaltando a importância do profissional de enfermagem neste contexto

Objetivo: to describe the epidemiological profile and identify the prevalent causes of clinical and serological unfitness among donation candidates in the last five years. Methods: this is a cross-sectional, exploratory and analytical study. Data were obtained using the Hemote Plus® System. Results: most candidates were men (50.9%), aged 20 to 29 years (34.0%), white (66.7%), single (59.9%) with high school education (33.3 %) and spontaneous motivation (65.5%). Among them, 25.9% were considered unfit. The most prevalent causes of disability were: anemia (27.7%) and sexually transmitted infections (12.4%). Women (57.9%), individuals with a lower level of education (53.9%), and those with less than 39 years of age (65.5%) tended more toward disability. Conclusion: it is evident the need for educational practices and guidance on risk behaviors in the recruitment of donors and clinical screening, emphasizing the importance of the nursing professional in this context

Objetivos: describir el perfil epidemiológico e identificar las causas prevalentes de ineptitud clínica y serológica entre los candidatos a donación en los últimos cinco años. Metodo: se trata de um estudio transversal, exploratorio y analítico. Los datos se obtuvieron utilizando el sistema Hemote Plus®. Resultados: la mayoría de los candidatos eran hombres (50,9 %), de 20 a 29 años (34,0 %), blancos (66,7 %), solteros (59,9 %), com educación secundaria (33,3 %) y motivación espontánea (65,5 %). Entre ellos, el 25,9% fueron considerados no aptos. Las causas de discapacidad más prevalentes fueron: anemia (27,7%) e infecciones de transmisión sexual (12,4%). Las mujeres (57,9%), los indivíduos con menor nivel educativo (53,9%) y los menores de 39 años (65,5%) tendían más a la discapacidad. Conclusión: se evidencia la necesidad de prácticas educativas y orientaciones sobre comportamientos de riesgo em la captación de donantes y tamizaje clínico, destacando la importância del profesional de enfermeira en este contexto

Predicting donor-related factors for high platelet yield donations by classification and regression tree analysis

Introduction Collecting high-dose (HD) or double-dose (DD) apheresis platelets units from a single collection offers significant benefit by improving inventory logistics and minimizing the cost per unit produced. Platelet collection yield by apheresis is primarily influenced by donor factors, but the cell separator used also affects the collection yield. Objectives To predict the cutoff in donor factors resulting in HD and DD platelet collections between Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ apheresis equipment using Classification and Regression Trees (CART) analysis. Methods High platelet yield collections (target ≥ 4.5 × 1011 platelets) using MCS+, Trima Accel and Spectra Optia were included. Endpoints were ≥ 6 × 1011 platelets for DD and ≥ 4.5 to < 6 × 1011 for HD collections. The CART, a tree building technique, was used to predict the donor factors resulting in high-yield platelet collections in Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ equipment by R programming. Results Out of 1,102 donations, the DDs represented 60% and the HDs, 31%. The Trima/Spectra Optia predicted higher success rates when the donor platelet count was set at ≥ 205 × 103/µl and ≥ 237 × 103/µl for HD and DD collections. The MCS+ predicted better success when the donor platelet count was ≥ 286 × 103/µl for HD and ≥ 384 × 103/µl for DD collections. Increased donor weight helped counter the effects of lower donor platelet counts only for HD collections in both the equipment. Conclusions The donor platelet count and weight formed the strongest criteria for predicting high platelet yield donations. Success rates for collecting DD and HD products were higher in the Trima/Spectra Optia, as they require lower donor platelet count and body weight than the MCS+.

Risque de transmission de certains arbovirus à travers le don de sang à Bamako / Risk of transmission of certain arbovirus through blood donation in the city of Bamako

Introduction. Au Mali, le dépistage de certains virus tels que la dengue, Zika et la fièvre de la vallée du Rift n'est pas systématique au centre national de transfusion sanguine (CNTS). Le risque peut être considérable en raison de leurs courtes périodes de virémie asymptomatique dans la population dont l'incidence est variable et parfois extrêmement élevée. Cette étude avait pour objectif d'explorer la possibilité de transmission de certains arbovirus à travers le don de sang au CNTS de Bamako. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale, de juillet 2019 à juin 2020 à Bamako. Au total deux cents (200) donneurs de sang du CNTS ont été inclus. Les examens ont été réalisés au Centre d'Infectiologie Charles Mérieux (CICM) de Bamako avec le dépistage du génome des virus responsables de la Dengue, de la fièvre de la Vallée du Rift, et du Zika à l'aide de la technique de la RT-PCR en temps réel. Le Test de Dépistage Rapide (TDR) a été utilisé pour la détection des anticorps IgG et IgM spécifiques de la Dengue. Résultats. Le sexe masculin représente 84% (168/200). Le TDR a détecté 4,5% (9/200) de Dengue IgG positifs et aucun cas de Dengue IgM positif. La technique de RT-PCR n'a détecté aucun des trois virus. Conclusion. Cette étude prouve que le risque de transmission de certains arbovirus à travers le don de sang existe, mais il semble être minime au CNTS de Bamako

Background. In Mali, screening for certain viruses such as dengue, Zika, and Rift Valley fever is not systematic at the national blood transfusion center (CNTS). The risk can be considerable due to their short periods of asymptomatic viremia in the population with variable and sometimes extremely high incidence. The objective of this study was to explore the possibility of transmission of certain arboviruses through blood donation at the CNTS of Bamako. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study, from July 2019 to June 2020 in Bamako. A total of two hundred (200) blood donors from the CNTS were included. The examinations were performed at the Centre d'Infectiologie Charles Mérieux (CICM) in Bamako with the screening of the genome of viruses responsible for Dengue, Rift Valley fever, and Zika using the real-time RT-PCR technique. The Rapid Screening Test (RST) was used for the detection of Dengue-specific IgG and IgM antibodies. Results. Male sex represented 84% (168/200). The RDT detected 4.5% (9/200) of IgG positive Dengue and no IgM positive Dengue cases. The RT-PCR technique did not detect any of the three viruses. Conclusion. This study proves that the risk of transmission of certain arboviruses through blood donation exists, but it seems to be minimal at the CNTS of Bamako.

Pre-and post-donation ferritin level of blood donors attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Donor Clinic in Southern Nigeria

While trying to save the patient via blood transfusion, the safety of the blood donor is paramount. This study evaluated the pre-and post-donation ferritin and packed cell volume (PCV) of donors attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.Method: The study adopted descriptive longitudinal approach. A total of 18 donors with age range of 18 ­48years were enrolled and followed up for 30 days post-donation. The serum ferritin was analyzed using ELISA method while the PCV was analyzed using the microhematocrit method. Difference between means was performed using repeated measure ANOVA while post hoc was done using Bonferroni adjustment. Prediction of return to baseline values were performed using logistic regression. Alpha value was placed at 0.05 There was a decline in ferritin and packed cell volume from pre-to post-donation. The decline in ferritin was imminent until day 14 when recovery was initiated. Significant difference was observed between the pre-donation ferritin and the rest of the days except day 30. There was also a decline in PCV from pre-donation all through with recovery noticeable after day 7. The PCV of the pre-donation was only comparable to the day 30 post-donation. Approximately 5.6% (n=1) of the subjects was iron deficient pre-donation.Approximately 25% (n=4) of the subject have returned to baseline PCV while 0% of the subjects have returned to baseline ferritin at day 30 post-donation.Conclusion: For the safety of the donor, donation interval should be widened, and iron supplement followed up

Serosurvey for SARS-CoV-2 among blood donors in Wuhan, China from September to December 2019

The emerging of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused COVID-19 pandemic. The first case of COVID-19 was reported at early December in 2019 in Wuhan City, China. To examine specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples before December 2019 would give clues when the epidemic of SARS-CoV-2 might start to circulate in populations. We obtained all 88,517 plasmas from 76,844 blood donors in Wuhan between 1 September and 31 December 2019. We first evaluated the pan-immunoglobin (pan-Ig) against SARS-CoV-2 in 43,850 samples from 32,484 blood donors with suitable sample quality and enough volume. Two hundred and sixty-four samples from 213 donors were pan-Ig reactive, then further tested IgG and IgM, and validated by neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Two hundred and thirteen samples (from 175 donors) were only pan-Ig reactive, 8 (from 4 donors) were pan-Ig and IgG reactive, and 43 (from 34 donors) were pan-Ig and IgM reactive. Microneutralization assay showed all negative results. In addition, 213 screened reactive donors were analyzed and did not show obviously temporal or regional tendency, but the distribution of age showed a difference compared with all tested donors. Then we reviewed SARS-CoV-2 antibody results from these donors who donated several times from September 2019 to June 2020, partly tested in a previous published study, no one was found a significant increase in S/CO of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Our findings showed no SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies existing among blood donors in Wuhan, China before 2020, indicating no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 before December 2019 in Wuhan, China.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood supply: A comparative cross-sectional study of the pre-pandemic and pandemic era

Objective@#The study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local blood supply management in the Davao Region, Philippines from 2019 to 2021 through the analysis of trends in blood supply in Davao Region, Philippines.@*Methodology@#Secondary data from two blood centers in the Davao Region for the years 2019 to 2021 were used to determine the trends on blood donation supply. To evaluate trends, the overall number of blood donors and the quantities of various types of blood components in whole blood, packed red blood cells (PRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFPs) and platelet concentrate have been compared between pre-pandemic, pandemic periods and as restrictions eased.@*Results@#A substantial decrease of 51.6% in the number of blood donors was seen during 2021 in comparison with 2019. The trend in collection by blood components also showed a significant trend from 2019 to 2021, whole blood (200.8%), packed RBCs (37.1%), fresh frozen plasma (113.6%). While the platelet concentrate supply declined by 34.9% from 2019 to 2020, an increase of 10.7% was noted onwards to 2021.@*Conclusion@#The results demonstrate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a major reduction in donation and supply of blood. The challenges faced by blood banks in ensuring a stable and sufficient blood supply are highlighted by the decrease in the number of donors and by the different trends in the supply of blood components. The targeted efforts to promote blood donation and enhance the resilience of the blood supply during and after the pandemic is important.

RHD Gene Analysis of A Blood Donor with Del Phenotype / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the RHD genotype of a blood donor with Del phenotype in Yunnan.@*METHODS@#Rh serological phenotype was identified. RHD gene was detected by PCR-SSP typing, and its 10 exons were sequenced. Exon 9 was amplified for sequencing and analysis. RHD zygosity was detected.@*RESULTS@#The Rh phenotype of this specimen was CcDelee. Genomic DNA exhibited a 1 003 bp deletion spanning from intron 8, across exon 9 into intron 9. The deletion breakpoints occurred between two 7-bp short tandem repeat sequences. There was no variation in the sequences of the remaining exons. The Rh hybridization box test showed that there was one RHD negative allele.@*CONCLUSION@#This specimen is Del type caused by deletion of RHD exon 9.

Laboratory testing strategies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in blood donors / 细胞与分子免疫学杂志

Objective To propose the blood detection strategies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among blood donors, and provide reference for the detection, early diagnosis and transmission blocking of HIV. Methods A total of 117 987 blood samples from blood donors were screened using the third- and fourth-generation ELISA HIV detection reagents. Western blot analysis was used to verify the reactive results of the third-generation reagent alone, or both the third-generation and fourth-generation reagents. HIV nucleic acid test was carried out for those with negative test results of the third- and fourth-generation reagents. For those with positive results of the fourth-generation reagent only, nucleic acid test followed by a confirmatory test by Western blot analysis was carried out. Results 117 987 blood samples from blood donors were tested by different reagents. Among them, 55 were tested positive by both the third- and fourth-generation HIV detection reagents at the same time, accounting for 0.047% and 54 cases were confirmed HIV-positive by Western blot analysis, and 1 case was indeterminate, then turned positive during follow-up testing. 26 cases were positive by the third-generation reagent test alone, among which 24 cases were negative and 2 were indeterminate by Western blot analysis. The band types were p24 and gp160 respectively detected by Western blot analysis, and were confirmed to be HIV negative in follow-up testing. 31 cases were positive by the fourth-generation HIV reagent alone, among which 29 were negative by nucleic acid test, and 2 were positive according to the nucleic acid test.Western blot analysis was used to verify that the two cases were negative. However, after 2~4 weeks, the results turned positive when the blood sample was retested by Western blot analysis during the follow-up of these two cases. All the specimens that were tested negative by both the third- and fourth-generation HIV reagents were validated negative by HIV nucleic acid test. Conclusion A combined strategy with both third- and fourth-generation HIV detection reagents can play a complementary role in blood screening among blood donors. The application of complementary tests, such as nucleic acid test and Western blot analysis, can further improve the safety of blood supply, thus contributing to the early diagnosis, prevention, transmission and treatment of blood donors potentially infected by HIV.

Analysis of frequency and molecular genetics of Jk (a-b-) phenotype among blood donors from Jining area / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To screen for Jk(a-b-) phenotype among blood donors from Jining area and explore its molecular basis to enrich the rare blood group bank for the region.@*METHODS@#The population who donated blood gratuitously at Jining Blood Center from July 2019 to January 2021 were selected as the study subjects. The Jk(a-b-) phenotype was screened with the 2 mol/L urea lysis method, and the result was confirmed by using classical serological methods. Exons 3 to 10 of the SLC14A1 gene and its flanking regions were subjected to Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#Among 95 500 donors, urea hemolysis test has identified three without hemolysis, which was verified by serological method as the Jk(a-b-) phenotype and demonstrated no anti-Jk3 antibody. The frequency of the Jk(a-b-) phenotype in Jining area is therefore 0.0031%. Gene sequencing and haplotype analysis showed that the genotypes of the three samples were JK*02N.01/JK*02N.01, JK*02N.01/JK-02-230A and JK*02N.20/JK-02-230A, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#The splicing variant of c.342-1G>A in intron 4, missense variants of c.230G>A in exon 4, and c.647_ 648delAC in exon 6 probably underlay the Jk(a-b-) phenotype in the local population, which is different from other regions in China. The c.230G>A variant was unreported previously.

Análisis de la problemática resultante de los tipos de donación de sangre, producida en el Banco de Sangre de la Seguridad Social en La Paz durante la gestión 2020 / Analysis of the problems resulting from the types of blood donation, produced at the social security Blood Bank in La Paz during the 2020 administration

INTRODUCCIÓN: actualmente la sangre continúa siendo un elemento vital para la vida, su fabricación aún no ha sido optimizada, por lo tanto, solo puede obtenerse a través de donaciones humanas. Por ello, para los Bancos de Sangre, contar con personas de confianza que aporten sangre constituye uno de los principales problemas éticos. Actualmente existen tres tipos de donación de sangre: la donación voluntaria y altruista, la donación de reposición o familiar y la donación remunerada, siendo esta última inaceptable en términos económicos y sanitarios, además de estar prohibida en el marco legal vigente en nuestro país. OBJETIVOS: analizar la problemática de la donación de sangre, haciendo énfasis en los tipos de donaciones que existen en nuestro país, considerando cuál es el tipo de donación más seguro para el receptor y cuáles son los menores de las pruebas de tamizaje inmunoserológico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio transversal analítico, retrospectivo, en el que se revisaron las historias clínicas y los formularios electrónicos de trabajo utilizados en la recolección de datos de las donaciones de sangre obtenidas en el Banco de Sangre. de la seguridad social. Para el análisis estadístico se realizó la media y la varianza. RESULTADOS: de un total de 7787 personas que se presentaron a donar sangre, solo 5166 realizaron una donación efectiva. El resto fueron diferidos temporalmente por causas subsanables, 147 fueron diferidos definitivamente por enfermedades e infecciones que pudieran suponer un riesgo para el receptor y en 19 de ellos la extracción de sangre fue difícil por dificultad de acceso venoso. Según el tipo de donaciones, el 52,8 % fueron donaciones solidarias de reposición, el 43,3 % donación exijida y el 3,71 % donación voluntaria. Finalmente, el 68 % del total de las donaciones de sangre provino de hombres. CONCLUIONES: los datos obtenidos demuestran porcentajes muy bajos de donantes voluntarios y valores altos de donantes obligados a donar, muy en relación a países con programas deficientes de donación voluntaria y altruista de sangre.

INTRODUCTION: currently blood is a vital element for life, its manufacture has not yet been optimized, therefore, it can only be obtained through human donations. For this reason, for Blood Banks, having reliable people who provide blood constitutes one of the main ethical problems. There are currently three types of blood donation: voluntary and altruistic donation, replacement or family donation, and paid donation, the latter being unacceptable in economic and health terms, as well as being prohibited under the current legal framework in our country. OBJECTIVES: analyze the problem of blood donation, emphasizing the types of donations that exist in our country, considering what is the safest type of donation for the recipient and what are the minors of immunoserological screening tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: this was a retrospective, analytical cross-sectional study, in which, we reviewed clinical histories and electronic work forms used in the collection of data on blood donations obtained in the Blood Bank. of social security. For statistical analysis we performed the mean and variance. RESULTS: in a total of 7787 people who presented themselves to donate blood, only 5166 made an effective donation. The rest were temporarily deferred for rectifiable reasons, 147 were permanently deferred due to diseases and infections that could cause a risk to the recipient and in 19 of them it was difficult to draw blood due to difficult venous access. According to the type of donations, 52.8 % were solidarity replacement donations, 43.3 % required donation, and 3.71 % voluntary donation. Finally, 68 % of the total blood donations came from men. CONCLUSIONS: the data obtained show very low percentages of voluntary donors and high values of required donors, these results are in accordance with countries with deficient voluntary and altruistic blood donation programs.

Frequency of Rh and K antigens in blood donors in Riyadh

ABSTRACT Objectives: Investigate the prevalence of Rh and the K antigens and their phenotypes in the red blood cells of blood donors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a retrospective study. The five principal Rh antigens (D, C, c, E, e) and the Kell antigen from the Kell blood group were tested in 4,675 random samples collected from four blood bank centers in Riyadh. Data were collected for seven weeks (from January 4, 2019 to February 28, 2019). Antigens were tested using the TANGO Optimo system. Results: We found that approximately 86% of the donors had the D antigen, 66% had C, 78% had c, 26% had E, 97% had e and 14% had K. The most common Rh phenotypes were R1r (31%) and R1R1 (22%). Conclusion: The differences in the results between the study population and other populations, such as Caucasian, Indian and African populations indicate the importance of establishing a population-specific database.

Comparative analysis of hematological parameters of first-time and repeat blood donors: Experience of a blood bank in southern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Introduction: The safety of a blood transfusion practice is anchored on safe blood from a healthy donor, while further protecting the donor from future harm. This study aimed to evaluate the hematological parameters of blood donors in view of their donor category to aid in assessing the safety threshold in terms of donation frequency. Methods: This study made use of the descriptive cross-sectional design. The blood donors were bled and their samples analyzed using a hematology autoanalyzer. Results: A total of 178 male blood donors were recruited. Most of the donors were aged 18 to 39 years and were mostly students. A greater part of them were repeat donors who had donated blood more than four times. First- and second-time donors constituted the majority of the voluntary donors. While the total red cell count was significantly lower in repeat third-time donors, the hemoglobin and hematocrit of the first-time donors were significantly higher than those of the repeat fourth-time donors. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of the first-time donors were significantly higher than those of the repeat fifth-time donors. The red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) were significantly lower in the first-time donors from those of the sixth- and seventh-time donors, respectively. Most of the fifth-time donors have subclinical anemia. There was more subclinical anemia in commercial donors than in voluntary donors. Conclusion: Repeat donors more than fifth-time donors are at risk of donation-induced iron deficiency anemia.

Zika virus RNA detection in blood donors in São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Zika Virus (ZIKV) is a single-stranded RNA genome virus, belonging to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Outbreaks around the world have demonstrated that the presence of asymptomatic viremic blood donors provides an increase in the risk of transfusion transmission (TT) and nucleic acid test (NAT) screening has been proposed to ensure the blood safety. This study implemented an "in-house" method to detect ZIKV RNA in blood sample donations. Methods: Primary plasma tubes are submitted to nucleic acid extraction on an automated platform. After extraction, the NAT set-up is performed in the robotic pipettor, in which an amplification mixture containing primers and probes for ZIKV and Polio vaccine virus (PV) are added in duplex as an internal control. The real-time polymerase chain reaction is then performed in a thermocycler, using the protocol established by the supplier. Results: From May 2016 to May 2018, 3,369 samples were collected from 3,221 blood donors (confidence coefficient 95%), of which 31 were considered false positive (0.92%), as they did not confirm initial reactivity when repeated in duplicates and 14 (0.42%) had their results invalid due to repeat failure in the internal control, 4 (0.12%), due to insufficient sample volume and 2 (0.05%), due to automatic pipettor failures. No Zika RNA reactive sample was identified. Conclusion: The test showed feasible to be incorporated into the blood screening routine. Our data do not indicate the need to screen for ZIKV RNA in São Paulo during the evaluated period. However, a generic NAT system covering a group of flaviviruses which are circulating in the region, such as DENV and YFV, among others, could be a useful tool.

Blood donor candidates and blood donations performed between 2005 and 2019 in Minas Gerais, Brazil: A time series analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Time series studies related to blood donor candidates and blood donations are rare in Brazil. Population aging suggests a better understanding of the context related to blood donor candidates and blood donations performed. Objective: The monthly series of candidates eligible to donate blood and actual donations between 2005 and 2019 at the Hemominas Foundation, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were described and analyzed. Methods: Ten time series were constructed of blood donor candidates and blood donations. Each series covered the period from January 2005 to December 2019. The stationarity of the series was verified by the unit root test; the data distribution, by the Shapiro-Wilk test; the trend, by the Cox-Stuart test, and; the seasonality, by the Fisher's test (significance levels of 10% for the first test and 5% for the last three). Results: All series were identified as non-stationary and presented trend and seasonality components. The rate of blood donor candidates and the rate of blood donations performed evidenced a positive upward trend until the last two-year analysis, when a drop occurred, from 1.75% and 1.42% in 2017 to 1.64% and 1.35% in 2019, respectively. The rate of blood donations trended downward, from 0.054% in 2005 to 0.046% in 2019. The proportion of unsuitable or unretained candidates reduced. Conclusion: The study emphasized the need to stimulate blood donation by specific groups and increase ways to reduce the demand for blood components through the implementation of programs that expand alternatives to blood transfusions.

Hemoglobin S identification in blood donors: A cross section of prevalence

ABSTRACT Introduction: In Brazil, the sickle cell trait (SCT) has an average prevalence of 4% in the general population and 6-10% among Afro-descendants. Although SCT is highly prevalent, a large segment of the population ignores their status. The Therapeutic Guidelines prohibit the transfusion of SCT red blood cells into patients with hemoglobin disorders or severe acidosis and newborns. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with data from 37,310 blood donation candidates. The study included only eligible first-time donors qualified to be tested for the presence of hemoglobin S (HbS) at the Fundação Hemominas Juiz de Fora, Brazil. The variables studied were gender, skin color, age, type of donation, place of birth, blood type, result of the solubility test for hemoglobin S (HbST) and hemoglobin electrophoresis (HbEF). Statistical analysis was performed using the Q square test and the Kappa index of agreement for comparing biochemical methods. This project was approved by the National Research Ethics Committee. Results: The analysis of first-time donor data showed that 7166 were considered eligible. A total of 127 of the 7166 donors were carriers of SCT (1.77%). Among the blood donors, 73.23% were from the local area. The HbST and HbEF were found to be 100% in concordance. Sensitivity was not tested in the present study. Conclusions: The HbST is highly specific for identifying the HbS, but sensitivity was not tested in this study. The screening of blood donors for abnormal hemoglobins is useful, helping to detect and counsel heterozygous people. The study seeks to identify the prevalence of SCT in a region of Brazil.

Prevalence of thrombophilia-associated genetic risk factors in blood donors of a regional hospital in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: Thromboembolic events occur due to an imbalance in the hemostasis and some factors associated with this condition can be inherited. In order to evaluate the frequency of genotypes considered to be common hereditary risk factors for thrombophilia associated with venous thrombosis (g.1691G>A and g.20210G>A) and hyperhomocysteinemia (g.677C>T and g.1298A>C), samples from voluntary healthy blood donors at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre were tested. Methods: We examined 325 blood samples from blood donors collected from October 2017 to July 2018. Blood was collected on filter paper and the DNA was extracted for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis using the qualitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The calculated frequencies of each genetic variant in heterozygosity were 4% for the FV gene (g.1691G> A), 4% for the F2 gene (g.20210G> A) and 42% and 39% for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), g.677C>T and g.1298A>C, respectively. Only the genetic variants of MTHFR were found in homozygosity, with frequencies of 14% and 6% (g.677C>T and g.1298A>C), respectively. Discussion: Altogether, these results describe the frequencies of genetic variants associated with venous thrombosis and hyperhomocysteinemia in the analyzed group and are important to enhance our current knowledge about the genetic profiles of Brazilian blood donors.

Comparación de la prevalencia del grupo sanguíneo A en cáncer de estómago y población donante de sangre / Comparison of the prevalence of blood group A in gastric cancer patients and blood donors

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el cáncer gástrico constituye una enfermedad con una alta incidencia y mortalidad en Uruguay. El grupo sanguíneo A ha sido considerado un factor de riesgo así como de mayor prevalencia en esta enfermedad. Objetivo: El objetivo del trabajo es comparar el porcentaje entre el grupo sanguíneo A en pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer gástrico y población donante de sangre en Uruguay. Material y métodos: se trata de un estudio observacional y retrospectivo. El tamaño muestral se determinó mediante la fórmula de comparación de proporciones con un nivel de confianza de 95% y una potencia de 80%. El número calculado fue de 149 para cada grupo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes del Hospital Maciel y la Cooperativa Médica de Florida que cumplieron con los criterios de ingreso y una población de donantes de sangre de ambas instituciones. El análisis se realizó mediante la prueba de χ2 (chi cuadrado) estableciéndose un nivel de significación de 0,05. Resultados: se incluyeron 153 pacientes y usuarios en cada grupo. El grupo sanguíneo A presentó menor porcentaje en los pacientes con cáncer gástrico (35,9%) en relación con la población donante de sangre (36,6%). La diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos estudiados. Conclusiones: se encontró que no hay diferencia significativa entre los porcentajes del grupo sanguíneo A de los grupos comparados.

ABSTRACT Background: Gastric cancer has high incidence and mortality in Uruguay. Blood group A has been considered a risk factor for gastric cancer and has high prevalence in this disease. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the percentage of blood group A in patients with gastric cancer and in blood donors in Uruguay. Material and methods: We conducted an observational and retrospective study. We used the sample size calculation for comparing proportions with a confidence of 95% and 80% power. The number calculated was 149 for each group. We included all the patients from Hospital Maciel and Cooperativa Médica de Florida who met the admission criteria and a population of blood donors from both institutions. The chi-square test was used and a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 153 patients and blood donors were included in each group. Blood group A was less common in gastric cancer patients than in blood donors (35.9% vs. 36.6%). The difference was not statistically significant between the groups studied. Conclusions: We did not find any significant difference in the percentage of blood group A in the groups compared.

Conocimientos sobre donación de sangre en pacientes de un hospital de Amazonas, Perú / Knowledge about blood donation in patients of a hospital in Amazonas, Peru

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el nivel de conocimientos sobre donación de sangre que tienen los pacientes externos que acuden a un hospital en Bagua Grande. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal durante mayo a julio del 2019. Se elaboró y aplicó un cuestionario estructurado. Se captó a 244 personas que acudieron a consultorios externos mediante un muestreo sistemático. Los participantes obtuvieron una media de respuestas correctas de 8,90 (DE: 3,25) puntos de un total de 21. Se encontró que la edad y el grado de instrucción estaban correlacionados con el puntaje (rho = -0,21; p < 0,001 y rho = 0,38; p < 0,001, respectivamente). La procedencia y ocupación afectaron al puntaje (p < 0,001). Los conocimientos hallados en la población estudiada son bajos, pero esto no estaría relacionado con el antecedente de donación. Las intervenciones que se elaboren para mejorar la donación de sangre no solo se deben enfocar en brindar conocimientos, ya que otros factores estarían más relacionados con este resultado.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge about blood donation among outpatients from a hospital in Bagua Grande. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2019. We developed and applied a structured questionnaire. A total of 244 outpatients were recruited through systematic sampling. Participants obtained a mean number of correct answers of 8.90 (SD: 3.25) points out of 21. Age and educational level were found to be correlated with the score (rho = -0.21; p < 0.001 and rho = 0.38; p < 0.001, respectively). Place of origin and occupation affected the score (p < 0.001). We found a low level of knowledge in the studied population, but this would not be related to previous history of donation. Interventions to improve blood donation should not only focus on providing knowledge, since other factors would be more related to this result.

Advances in the recruitment and loyalty of blood donors: A critical outlook over the Brazilian scenario / Avanços no recrutamento e fidelização de doadores de sangue: um olhar crítico sobre o panorama brasileiro

The growing need for more stringent methods of safe blood transfusion has engendered blood banks in Brazil. The transfusion appears, then, as an alternative path for blood-related pathologies and their components. Followed by the enforcement of altruistic principles, blood donation has become resistant within society due to its myths and prejudices. Thus, the implementation of public policies became more evident in tracing the social profile of blood donors, and the public power started regulating, supervising and controlling the rational use of blood and blood products. This way, the indices of blood donation in the Unified Health System (SUS) result from various means of interaction with both the potential donor and with the loyal donor, through digital media, school lectures, symposia, congresses and visual media. This process hitched the recruitment to the peculiarities of potential donors, mostly promoted by Health professionals. There is a need to gradually increase such measures to facilitate the donation process, adapting it to the reality of these people, to amplify the number of loyal donors (AU)

A crescente necessidade de métodos mais rígidos de segurança na transfusão sanguínea engendrou os bancos de sangue no Brasil. A transfusão aparece, então, como via alternativa para tratamento de patologias relacionadas ao sangue e aos seus componentes. A partir da aplicação de princípios altruístas, a doação de sangue tornou-se mais resistente pela sociedade, devido aos mitos e preconceitos. A aplicação de políticas públicas, dessa forma, tornaram-se mais evidentes para traçar o perfil social do doador de sangue, e o poder público passou a regulamentar, fiscalizar e controlar o uso racional de hemoderivados e hemocomponentes. Nesse sentido, os índices de doação de sangue no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) são resultados de diversos meios de interação tanto com o potencial doador quanto com o fidelizado, por intermédio de mídias digitais, palestras em centros escolares, simpósios, congressos e meios audiovisuais. Esse processo atrelou o recrutamento às peculiaridades dos potenciais doadores, promovido principalmente pelos profissionais da saúde. Surge a necessidade de aumentar, cada vez mais, tais medidas de modo a facilitar e flexibilizar o processo de doação, adaptando-o, assim, à realidade dessas pessoas, para amplificar o número de doadores fidelizados (AU)