Improved screening of donor's blood for malaria: a qatari experience

ABSTRACT

Malaria is one of the most widespread infections globally and is undoubtedly responsible for the majority of all cases of transfusion-transmitted disease in the world. Qatar is free from endemic malaria. However, cases are seen with the large expatriate workforce imported from malarious areas. These constitute a significant percent of the blood donors'pool [34%]. Over a 27-month period, among 5845 volunteers tested for malaria, 21 were deferred [0.36%] showing positive result when screened by the Giemsa-stained thick smear technique, with 2 undiagnosed cases that led to transfusion-transmitted malaria. Since then and for the last 21 months, the Falciparum-Spot immunofluo-rescence [IF] test was implemented in an attempt to ensure accurate screening. Among 6367 donors tested, 274 [4.3%] were deferred. Careful questioning about donor travel history, expansion of deferral policy and the use of a more sensitive screening test have all resulted in increasing layers of safety where no transfusion-transmitted malaria was reported in the last 21 months. These measures were necessary to regain the trust of the public in the safety and stewardship of the blood supply