Evaluation of response to donor notification of reactive transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) result.

ABSTRACT

Background:Although blood transfusion is a life saving therapy, it is associated with various ill effects, which can cause increased morbidity and mortality in recipients. Testing of all donated blood for transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) such as HIV I & II, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis is one of the strategies recommended by WHO to ensure safe blood. However, if the donor is already having an infection, transmissible by blood, the transfusion will be rather hazardous for the recipient. The national blood policy of India 2002 advocates the disclosure of results of transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) to blood donors. Aim:To assess the attitude of the transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) reactive blood donor in response to the post-donation calls from blood bank. Material and methods: A total of 20865 blood donors came to the department of IHBT in period of one year from 1St November 2009 to 31St October 2010.All donated blood was screened against HIV I & II , Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis and malaria. On screening the units, it was found that 391 donation units (1.874 %) were positive for one of the TTIs, namely HIV I & II, HBsAg, HCV or syphilis. As follow-up, these donors were recalled at blood bank by a phone call. Results: out of 391 reactive donors only 236 responded to call (average response rate was 60.36%). Conclusion: The study suggest that authorities should frame some guidelines and rules that can increase the response rate among reactive donors and make them assessable because it enables their future investigation and treatment and the prevention of diseases transmission to the community.