Comprehensive characterisation and cryopreservation optimisation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Over half of the world's buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) inhabit India, and buffaloes frequently encounter health challenges that resist conventional treatments, prompting the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. One promising approach is stem cell therapy, particularly multipotent mesenchymal/stromal stem cells (MSCs). These cells have shown significant efficacy in addressing various diseases in livestock that exhibit resistance to conventional therapies. Adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs) have garnered attention due to their accessibility and robust expansion potential. The current study comprehensively characterises buffalo ADSCs (bADSCs), confirming their identity as MSCs capable of differentiating into diverse cell lineages-the identified characteristics position bADSCs as promising candidates for applications in regenerative medicine, applicable in veterinary contexts. Notably, the study established that a cryoprotective solution comprising 10 % dimethyl sulfoxide and 90 % fetal bovine serum is optimal for preserving bADSCs. This cryoprotective solution maintains vital parameters, including viability, apoptosis, senescence, cell adherence, adherent cell viability, metabolic and clonogenic efficiency, and the activity of reactive oxygen species and trilineage differentiation potential following thawing. These findings lay the foundation for developing a cryo-banking system for bADSCs. Subsequent research efforts are focused on exploring the therapeutic potential of bADSCs in specific disease models and clinical settings. The outcomes of such investigations may pave the way for innovative and effective treatments, further enhancing our understanding of the regenerative capabilities of bADSCs.

Exploring Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Factors Influencing Decision-Making in Stem Cell Banking: Rising the Future of Medical Treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stem cell banking (SCB) is a promising area of modern medicine with the potential to yield innovative treatments and cures. To effectively educate parents and implement laws and regulations that address parental concerns and encourage informed decision-making, it is imperative to emphasize parental viewpoints and their consequences for future healthcare. The study aims to establish the Saudi Arabian population's level of understanding regarding SCB and to comprehend the elements influencing parental knowledge, attitudes, and SCB decision-making processes. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the population in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. Demographic data, knowledge levels, attitudes, and decision-making variables were gathered from 380 respondents. RESULTS: The study reveals a lack in their comprehension of the objectives and possible uses of SCB, together with the main sources of information on those banks and conveniently available banking choices. It showed varied results regarding attitudes about considering an SCB for their children. In addition, the majority of respondents had not made a consent decision about SCB for their children. It also illuminates the factors that could influence participants' decisions about SCB for their children and shows that a lack of information and understanding is the main obstacle faced by parents regarding SCB. It highlights that participants were generally in favor of learning more about SCB for their children. CONCLUSIONS: This study broadens our understanding of parental decision-making toward SCB and clarifies the elements influencing parents' opinions and worries and offers significant ramifications for lawmakers, medical professionals, and SCB. These implications can be utilized to enhance communication strategies, create instructional programs, and ease the fears of concerned parents.

Enhancing fraud detection in banking by integration of graph databases with machine learning.

The banking sector's shift from traditional physical locations to digital channels has offered customers unprecedented convenience and increased the risk of fraud for customers and institutions alike. In this study, we discuss the pressing need for robust fraud detection & prevention systems in the context of evolving technological environments. We introduce a graph-based machine learning model that is specifically designed to detect fraudulent activity in various types of banking operations, such as credit card transactions, debit card transactions, and online banking transactions. This model uses advanced methods for anomalies, behaviors, and patterns to analyze past transactions and user behavior almost immediately. We provide an in-depth methodology for evaluating fraud detection systems based on parameters such as Accuracy Recall rate and False positive rate ROC curves. The findings can be used by financial institutions to develop and enhance fraud detection strategies as they demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed approach. This study emphasizes the critical role that innovative technologies play in safeguarding the financial sector from the ever-changing strategies of fraudsters while also enhancing banking security.•This paper aims to implement the detection of fraudulent transactions using a state-of-the-art Graph Database approach.•The relational graph of features in the dataset used is modelled using Neo4J as a graph database.•Applying JSON features from the exported graph to various Machine Learning models, giving effective outcomes.

Does the bank-firm human relationship still matter for SMEs? The game-changing role of digitalization.

Noteworthy contributions have highlighted that human contact is a considerable factor in bank-firm relationships. It allows the acquisition of soft information, which alleviates information asymmetries and increases the use of bank debt. The advent of digital technologies in the information collection process open new horizons and change the role of personal contacts in bank-firm interactions, as entrepreneurs visit bank branches less frequently. This study uses a large sample of Italian SMEs from 2011 to 2020 and finds that the rapid increase and use of digital instruments have reduced the positive influence of physical closeness between banks and SMEs on the indebtedness levels. Interestingly, our study has also found that the COVID-19 crisis did not amplify this moderating effect. Results support theories that human contact is an important factor in bank-firm relationships because it allows the acquisition of soft information, which alleviates information asymmetries and increases the use of bank debt. Our study suggests that close human ties are still extremely relevant and digitalization should be exploited to support the collection of the kind of qualitative soft information that is crucial in debt negotiations.

Corneal blindness in the developing world: The role of prevention strategies.

Corneal blindness is an important contributor to the burden of global blindness and has a greater prevalence in low-income countries of the developing world where resources and infrastructure are limited. The causes of corneal blindness too are different from high-income countries and include infectious keratitis, ocular trauma, and xerophthalmia. Persons with these indications tend to have unfavourable outcomes after corneal transplantation, limiting their chances of benefitting from this sight-saving procedure. However, most causes of corneal blindness in the developing world are preventable. This highlights the importance of understanding the unique challenges in these regions and the need for targeted interventions. This article discusses various prevention strategies, including primordial, primary, and secondary prevention, aimed at reducing the burden of corneal blindness in low-income countries. These include capacity building, training, and awareness campaigns to reduce the risk factors of ocular trauma, infectious keratitis, and to improve access to first aid. It is also important to promote safe eye practices and tackle nutritional deficiencies through public health interventions and policy changes. Providing the required training to general ophthalmologists in the management of basic corneal surgeries and diseases and enhancing the accessibility of eye care services in rural areas will ensure early treatment and prevent sequelae. Current treatment modalities belong to the tertiary level of prevention and are largely limited to corneal transplantation. In developing nations, there is a scarcity of donor corneal tissue necessitating an urgent expansion of eye banking services. Alternative approaches to corneal transplantation such as 3D printed corneas, cultured stem cells, and biomaterials should also be explored to meet this demand. Thus, there is a need for collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to implement effective prevention strategies and reduce the prevalence of corneal blindness in the developing world.

Exploring the impact of culture techniques and patient demographics on the success rate of primary culture of human periodontal ligament stem cells.

Background/purpose: Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have the potential for regenerating periodontal tissue. The study aims to investigate the impact of demographics (ages, gender, disease) and culture techniques (shipping storage time and culture method) on the success of primary culture. Materials and methods: PDLSCs were collected from 51 teeth of 26 patients and cultured via outgrowth (OG) and enzymatic digestion (ED) methods. Cells characteristics were confirmed by flow cytometry, MTT, and ARS. The primary culture success rate was evaluated with a serial chi-square test to determine the relationship with culture technique (ED/OG and ≤4 h/prolonged culture) and patient demographics (Young/Old, Female/Male, and Health/Periodontitis). Results: The overall success rate of Health group (69.7%) was higher than Periodontitis (38.9%). Culturing within 4 h possessed a higher success rate (71.8%) than prolonged group (16.7%) regardless of patient demographics, and using OG method (81.5%) revealed more promising. Subgroup analysis of 39 cases (culture within 4 h) found that the success rate of OG was higher than ED in the Old group (87.5%-25.0%) and in the Periodontitis group (83.3%-25.0%). Conclusion: Primary culturing of PDLSCs within 4 h and using the outgrowth method led to higher success rates regardless of patient demographics. It can achieve successful PDLSCs culture of older patients or patients with periodontal disease by appropriate culture technique.

Shaping the digital transformation of the retail banking industry. Empirical evidence from Italy.

Although numerous studies have investigated the determinants of users' acceptance of online channels, little attention has been paid to the continuous usage of a direct bank. To address this research gap, we analysed data collected via semi-structured interviews and a survey questionnaire distributed in 2017 to a sample of Italian bank customers. Responses were evaluated using a different statistical methodology based on the Shapley Value regression analysis. In brief, user-friendliness and economic advantages appear to be more decisive at an early stage of adoption. Moreover, structural assurance mechanisms (e.g. clarifying security policies and guarantees) have a robust impact on keeping customers online and loyal to electronic channels. Surprisingly, accessibility and compatibility do not seem to be determinant factors.

Donation barriers, enablers, patterns and predictors of milk bank donors in the United States and United Kingdom.

Pasteurised donor human milk is recommended for very low birthweight infants who do not have access to their mother's milk. Although the use of donor milk continues to increase, little is known about the donation experiences of milk bank donors. We aimed to describe and compare enablers, barriers and patterns of human milk donation and identify factors predicting donation volume in a convenience sample of approved milk bank donors in the United Kingdom and the United States. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from August 2022 to December 2022. Approved milk bank donors (n = 556) from three milk banks in the United States (n = 369, Mothers' Milk Bank of Florida, Mother's Milk Bank of North Texas and Northwest Mothers Milk Bank) and one milk bank in the United Kingdom (n = 187, Hearts Milk Bank) completed the survey. A substantial portion of donors in both settings reported participating in other forms of milk exchange (51% of U.S. donors vs. 39% of UK donors, p = 0.009). Top donation barriers reported in both settings were completing the serological screening and having enough space to store collected milk. Most donors started donating when their infant was 3 months old or older and reported donating mature milk. The most common source of information related to milk banking in each setting was the internet (United Kingdom-70% vs. United States - 63%, p = 0.112). Variables that predicted lifetime donation volume differed between the United States and the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of setting-specific milk banking research.

Profiting on Crisis: How Predatory Financial Investors Have Worsened Inequality in the Coronavirus Crisis.

A once-in-a-century pandemic has sparked an unprecedented health and economic crisis. Less examined is how predatory financial investors have shaped the crisis and profited from it. We examine how U.S. shadow banks, such as private equity, venture capital, and hedge fund firms, have affected hardship and inequality during the crisis. First, we identify how these investors helped to hollow out the health care industry and disenfranchise the low-wage service sector, putting frontline workers at risk. We then outline how, as the downturn unfolds, shadow banks are shifting their investments in ways that profit on the misfortunes of frontline workers, vulnerable populations, and distressed industries. After the pandemic subsides and governments withdraw stimulus support, employment will likely remain insecure, many renters will face evictions, and entire economic sectors will need to rebuild. Shadow banks are planning accordingly to profit from the fallout of the crisis. We argue that this case reveals how financial investors accumulate capital through private and speculative investments that exploit vulnerabilities in the economic system during a time of crisis. To conclude, we consider the prospects for change and inequality over time.

Prevalence and associated factors of corneal opacity among adults in Kolladiba town, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of corneal opacity among adults in Kolladiba town, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling technique. A total of 846 adult individuals were recruited for the study. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Gondar School of Medicine Ethical Review Committee. A standardised, semistructured questionnaire plus an ocular examination were used to collect the data. The data were entered into Epi Info V.7 and cleaned and analysed using SPSS V.26. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to select candidate variables and identify statistically significant factors. Variables with a p value of less than 0.05 according to the multivariable logistic regression analysis were considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The prevalence of corneal opacity among the study participants was 27.2% (95% CI 24.4% to 30.4%). In this study, age 49-60 years (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.90; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.32), age ≥61 years (AOR=2.12; 95% CI 1.17 to 3.87), inability to read and write (AOR=2.65; 95% CI 1.68 to 4.16), middle-income level (AOR=2.12; 95% CI 1.30 to 3.47) and poor income level (AOR=4.96; 95% CI 3.04 to 8.09) were factors that were significantly associated with corneal opacity.In this study, the prevalence of corneal opacity was considerably high. Being poor and unable to read and write were the primary factors significantly associated with corneal opacity. Hence, concerned stakeholders should strive to reverse the effects of corneal opacity on the quality of life of the study and causal studies should be considered in the future.

When you think you should transfuse don't!

A 48-year-old female presented to the emergency department with severe fatigue. Admission laboratory test results were hemoglobin 6.6 g/dL, platelet count 287,000/µL, and white blood cell count 25,200/µL. Lactate dehydrogenase was elevated at 898 U/L, haptoglobin was markedly decreased (< 31 mg/dL), indirect bilirubin was elevated (5.3 mg/dL), and the absolute reticulocyte count was low at 0.0050/µL. A sample was sent to the immunohematology reference laboratory. The direct antiglobulin test immunoglobulin G was negative; C3 was 1+. All cells were reactive at immediate spin phase, indirect antiglobulin testing (IAT) with polyethylene glycol, with low ionic strength saline, neat, prewarm, and in the solid phase. All cells were nonreactive at IAT-ficin. Additional testing included a cold antibody titer that was 1:4096 and thermal amplitude studies demonstrating reactivity of 2+ at 37°C. These results were consistent with a clinically significant anti-Pr and cold agglutinin disease (CAD). Although rituximab is effective in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, this may take weeks. The patient was treated with pegcetacoplan, a pegylated peptide that targets C3 inhibiting hemolysis. The patient was discharged on day 29 with a hemoglobin of 8 g/dL. This is a report of one of the first patients successfully treated with pegcetacoplan for CAD.

Effect of Banking Time Intervention on Child-Teacher Relationships and Problem Behaviors in China: A Multiple Baseline Design.

A positive child-teacher relationship is a crucial means of addressing problem behaviors in young children. In recent years, there has been an increase in factors triggering problem behaviors in young children. It is particularly important to employ universally applicable and scientifically effective strategies to improve child behavior. Banking Time, as an emerging variant of play therapy, aims to enhance child behavior by establishing an intimate child-teacher relationship. This study conducted a multiple-baseline experiment involving eight four-year-old children and their teachers from China, exploring the effectiveness of Banking Time in enhancing child-teacher relationships and subsequently improving child behavior from dual perspectives, utilizing tools such as the Student-Teacher Relationship Scale and Conners' Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales-Teacher Assessment Report. Visual analysis and statistical analysis results indicate a strong positive impact of Banking Time on child-teacher relationships and a slight inhibitory effect on child problem behaviors. The implementation of Banking Time provides valuable insights into specific paths and strategies for promoting teachers' professional development.

Brain banking in the United States and Europe: Importance, challenges, and future trends.

In recent years, brain banks have become valuable resources for examining the molecular underpinnings of various neurological and psychological disorders including Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease. However, the availability of brain tissue has significantly declined. Proper collection, preparation, and preservation of postmortem autopsy tissue are essential for optimal downstream brain tissue distribution and experimentation. Collaborations between brain banks through larger networks such as NeuroBioBank with centralized sample request mechanisms promote tissue distribution where brain donations are disproportionately lower. Collaborations between brain banking networks also help to standardize the brain donation and sample preparation processes, ensuring proper distribution and experimentation. Ethical brain donation and thorough processing enhances the responsible conduct of scientific studies. Education and outreach programs that foster collaboration between hospitals, nursing homes, neuropathologists, and other research scientists help to alleviate concerns among potential brain donors. Furthermore, ensuring that biorepositories accurately reflect the true demographics of communities will result in research data that reliably represent populations. Implementing these measures will grant scientists improved access to brain tissue, facilitating a deeper understanding of the neurological diseases that impact millions.

Reducing crash risk for young drivers: Protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial to improve young driver sleep.

Background: Road trauma is a leading cause of death and disability for young Australians (15-24 years). Young adults are overrepresented in crashes due to sleepiness, with two-thirds of their fatal crashes attributed to sleepy driving. This trial aims to examine the effectiveness of a sleep extension and education program for improved road safety in young adults. Methods: Young adults aged 18-24 years (n = 210) will be recruited for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial employing a placebo-controlled, parallel-groups design. The intervention group will undergo sleep extension and receive education on sleep, whereas the placebo control group will be provided with information about diet and nutrition. The primary outcomes of habitual sleep and on-road driving performance will be assessed via actigraphy and in-vehicle accelerometery. A range of secondary outcomes including driving behaviours (driving simulator), sleep (diaries and questionnaire) and socio-emotional measures will be assessed. Discussion: Sleep is a modifiable factor that may reduce the risk of sleepiness-related crashes. Modifying sleep behaviour could potentially help to reduce the risk of young driver sleepiness-related crashes. This randomised control trial will objectively assess the efficacy of implementing sleep behaviour manipulation and education on reducing crash risk in young adult drivers.

A Survey of Community Perceptions on Brain Donation for Research.

Postmortem brain donation for medical research is a little-known form of organ donation. While most brain research is carried out using animal models, many neurological diseases are uniquely human. Greater availability of human postmortem brain tissue from diseased individuals and controls would therefore improve the development of treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Globally, organ donation for medical research is dwarfed by organ donation for transplantation. In 2021, 36% of Australians were registered organ donors for transplantation, with public "in-principle" support even higher, at 76%. In contrast, there are little data on Australian or international brain donation rates for research. A 30-item online survey was conducted to ascertain knowledge of, and attitudes toward, brain donation in Australia. Of the respondents, 12/237 (5%) were current brain donors and excluded from further analysis. Of the remaining 225, 75% were registered organ donors for transplant. The vast majority (n = 189/225, 84%) of respondents supported or strongly supported the principle of brain donation. However, of those registered for transplantation or whole-body donors, 93/170 (55%) were not aware that brain donation was possible, while 50%, alternatively or also, thought that registering as an organ donor for transplantation rendered them a brain donor by default. Only 9/225 (4%) respondents indicated that they would definitely not donate their brain in the future, while 27 remained unsure. There is prominent public support for brain donation in Australia, with 84% of respondents willing to donate their brain. Yet, the extent of public misconceptions on brain donation for research suggests the need for further education on all types of organ donation, so individuals may make informed decisions.

Sustainability disclosure in the Ecuadorian banking sector: channels used, determining factors and type of information revealed

This study aimed to provide evidence on sustainability disclosure in the banking sector of Ecuador Using a descriptive-correlational approach, three key areas were examined: the most common reports for the disclosure of sustainability information, factors influencing banks' willingness to disclose, and the type of sustainability information being disclosed. Fisher's test and mean difference tests were employed to identify factors influencing banks' willingness to disclose sustainability information. Additionally, a content analysis was conducted to identify the main themes disclosed by banks regarding sustainability An index incorporating environmental, social, economic, and governance aspects was utilized for this analysis. The findings revealed low levels of disclosure, a higher prevalence of specialized reports, a positive association between willingness to disclose and organizational visibility, and a predominance of social dimension disclosure practices. These findings underscore the need to enhance disclosure standards and strengthen communication with stakeholders in Ecuador's banking sector. JEL CLASSIFICATION MI0, MI4; G2I

Este estudio buscó proporcionar evidencia sobre la divulgación de sostenibilidad en el sector bancario de Ecuador Mediante un enfoque descriptivo-correlacional se abordaron tres temáticas: los medios más utilizados para divulgar información de sostenibilidad, los factores que influyen en la disposición de los bancos a divulgar y el tipo de información sobre sostenibilidad que divulgan. Se utilizaron las pruebas de Fisher y de diferencia de medias para identificar los factores que influyen en la disposición de los bancos a divulgar información de sostenibilidad. De igual forma, se realizó un análisis de contenido para identificar los temas principales que divulgan los bancos sobre sostenibilidad. Para ello, se usó un índice que identificó aspectos ambientales, sociales, económicos y de gobernanza. Los resultados revelaron niveles bajos de divulgación, un mayor uso de informes especializados, una asociación positiva entre la disposición a divulgar y la visibilidad de la organización, y una predominancia de la divulgación de prácticas en la dimensión social. Estos hallazgos resaltan la necesidad de mejorar los estándares de divulgación y fortalecer la comunicación con los grupos de interés en el sector bancario de Ecuador. CLASIFICACIÓN JEL M10, M14; G21

Este estudo buscou fornecer evidências sobre a divulgação da sustentabilidade no setor bancário do Ecuador. Usando uma abordagem descritiva-correlacional, foram abordadas três questões: os meios mais comuns usados para divulgar informações sobre sustentabilidade, os fatores que influenciam a disposição dos bancos em divulgar e o tipo de informações sobre sustentabilidade que eles divulgam. O teste de Fisher e os testes de diferença de médias foram usados para identificar os fatores que influenciam a disposição dos bancos em divulgar informações sobre sustentabilidade. Da mesma forma, foi realizada uma análise de conteúdo para identificar os principais tópicos que os bancos divulgam sobre sustentabilidade. Isso foi feito por meio de um índice que identificou questões ambientais, sociais, econômicas e de governança. Os resultados revelaram baixos níveis de divulgação, um maior uso de relatórios especializados, uma associação positiva entre a disposição de divulgar e a visibilidade organizacional, e uma predominância de divulgação de práticas na dimensão social. Essas conclusões destacam a necessidade de melhorar os padrões de divulgação e fortalecer a comunicação com as partes interessadas no setor bancário do Ecuador. CLASSIFICAÇÃO JEL M10, M14; G21

Green banking practices and environmental performance: navigating sustainability in banks.

The growing concerns about global climate change have thrust green banking and green finance into the forefront of discussions. The research suggests that green banking plays a pivotal role in advancing environmental sustainability. This study focuses on examining the profound impact of green banking practices on the environmental performance of banks, with a specific focus on both private and public sector banks operating in India through a survey involving 500 bank employees the study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings highlight various aspects of green banking, encompassing employee-related practices, operational procedures, customer engagement, and policy adherence, and significantly contribute to the promotion of green finance, resulting in substantial positive effects. Moreover, the study underscores the substantial and positive influence of banks' green financing on their environmental performance. Interestingly, the operational features of green banking practices emerged as having a notable impact on banks' environmental performance, whereas aspects related to employees, policies, and customers did not directly and significantly influence environmental performance. The results of the study carry significant policy implications, especially for India's banking sector, in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.

Caffeine Concentrations in Human Milk Donated to a Human Milk Bank in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Human milk banks have been established to provide human milk to preterm infants who are unable to obtain milk from their mothers. Donor screening methods vary, and prospective donors are commonly screened for drug and recreational substance use through behavioral screening. Although the risk of illegal drug consumption in Japan is extremely low, caffeine may be consumed unknowingly and can be found in human milk. To date, only a few reports have been conducted on the concentration of caffeine in donor milk. RESEARCH AIM: This study aimed to examine the pre-pasteurization levels of caffeine in human milk donated to a milk bank in Japan. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational study of caffeine concentrations in human milk donated to a human milk bank in Japan. Caffeine concentration in the donor milk was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Caffeine was detected in 70% of the donor milk samples (N = 350). The median (range) of caffeine concentration was 0.46 [< 0.10, 7.54] mg/L, and 64.0% of the samples had less than 1 mg/L of caffeine. The caffeine concentration varied widely among as well as within individuals. CONCLUSION: The average caffeine concentration in Japanese donor milk samples was higher than that previously reported in samples from Spain, but the range was similar. Donors should be informed that caffeine intake should be within a moderate range, to further increase the safety of donor milk.

Comparative Evaluation And Accuracy Of Ict, Clia And Nat For The Detection Of Hepatitis B, C And Hiv In The Blood Donors.

BACKGROUND: A sensitive and specific donor screening strategy is essential for the prevention of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI). The study was conducted to ascertain the comparative efficacy of ICT, CLIA and NAT methods. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Regional Blood Center Abbottabad, Pakistan from 1st April to 25 August 2022. 6233 donors were screened for Hep B, C, and HIV by testing simultaneously with ICT, CLIA and NAT. RESULTS: Active Hep B, C and HIV Infection was present in 0.51%, 0.28% and 0.00048% donors respectively. The sensitivity was found to be higher for HBV and HIV with CLIA as compared to ICT but was equal for HCV with both. whereas specificity was the same with both CLIA and ICT for all three viruses. PPV was higher with ICT for HBV and HCV, but for HIV it was found higher by CLIA. NPV was higher for all three viruses by CLIA as compared to ICT. CONCLUSIONS: In case rapid testing devices are used for the initial screening of blood in countries with limited resources, positive cases must be confirmed by CLIA and if possible, then by NAT because of missing cases in the window period and false positive cases.