Guidelines on Covid-19 for Blood Banks.

ABSTRACT

General measures for infection prevention and control should be followed by the health care workers as the world struggles to control Covid-19 spread. Medical professionals and researchers continue to fight with the recent global outbreak of Covid-19 and its potential impact on blood transfusion services is real and a cause of concern for transfusion medicine experts. The 2002 - 03 SARS outbreak saw 8098 reported cases resulting in 774 deaths, and a 9% mortality rate.(1) The mortality rates for the same spiked to 50% for individuals over the age of 60. It is accepted that the present Covid-19 outbreak originated in bats. As per the American Association of Blood banks (AABB).(2) There is no reported or suspected case of transfusion transmitted Covid-19.(3,4,5) Similarly, in India there is no reported case of transfusion transmission. Social distancing of blood donors is of paramount importance for blood donors while blood collection. Similarly, organizing of blood donation camps by organisers and blood bank staff should ensure the same. Facilities for hand washing for blood donors and use of mask should be ensured. Blood donation by blood donors with travel history should be deferred for 28 days.