[Tracing blood units from recipients to their donors: results of a trace back study for hepatitis B]

ABSTRACT

Post -transfusion hepatitis B may occure if donors donate blood in the window period, in the early convalescence phase and period with very low levels of HBsAg in blood. In December 2003, a case as post- transfusion hepatitis B in a blood recipient was reported to IBTO.The patient had received 2 units of red blood cells.Trace back program was set up to find out the donors possible involvement in viral transmission.Donors and recipients were not positive for HBsAg and Anti-HBc IgM; so current or recent infection during last 6 months had to be excluded. This case report explains a successful trace back , and accurate well- maintained records