Surgical Site Infection Risk Factors in Hip Arthroplasty for Transcervical Femoral Neck Fractures.

Background Hip fracture patients often experience surgical site infections (SSIs) as a major infectious complication after undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), which can lead to extended hospital stays, increased mortality, and higher healthcare costs. This study aimed to determine the incidence of SSI and identify the risk factors associated with it after THA. Objective This study aimed to explore the correlation between blood transfusion along with other factors and the occurrence of SSIs in postoperative patients who underwent THA for transcervical femoral neck fractures. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis by reviewing the medical records of patients aged 60-80 years who underwent surgery for hip fractures at the Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad Hospital de Traumatología y Ortopedia No. 21 in Monterrey, Mexico, between January 2020 and January 2021. We analyzed potential risk factors such as age, sex, transfusion necessity, preoperative hemoglobin levels, history of diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and end-stage chronic disease. Data are presented as numbers and percentages, and statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28.0 (Released 2021; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results The study included 87 patients, of whom 55 (63%) were women with an average age of 73 years. SSIs were identified in 12 (13.8%) patients. Among those with infections, nine (75%) had a history of blood transfusion (p=0.05). Diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease also increased the risk for infection. There was no association with gender, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk, and preoperative hemoglobin. Conclusions We found a heightened risk of SSI in patients with a history of blood transfusions, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and monitoring during the perioperative period. Additionally, patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease were more susceptible to SSI, underscoring the importance of preoperative assessment and targeted preventive measures. Further research and collaboration are needed to refine strategies for mitigating SSI risk factors and optimizing healthcare resource utilization.

Establishment and discussion of autoverification rules for transfusion compatibility testing.

OBJECTIVES: To develop an automated verification workflow for transfusion compatibility testing (TCT) based on the AUTO10-A guidelines and blood group serology characteristics and to conduct a simulated validation of the test and subtest results by assessing the appropriateness of the autoverification rules. BACKGROUND: The accuracy of TCT results is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring the safety of blood transfusions. However, the verification of these results still requires manual intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five autoverification rules and their standards were determined: agglutination intensity, normal results, logical relationships, delta checks and interlaboratory test comparisons. The established categories and standards for the five rules were retrospectively validated using 13 506 samples (requests) that had been manually verified in our laboratory from January 2020 to June 2023. RESULTS: A total of 66 638 test items were involved in the autoverification, with 3844 items violating the verification rules, resulting in a pass rate of 96.10%. Considering individual test items, four tests had a pass rate of more than 90% in both the test item result table and the test subitem result table. However, there were significant differences in the pass rates between different tests. The same conclusion can be drawn when the unit is requests. The different standards set for the agglutination intensity and the delta check in the ABO typing testing subitems showed significant differences in pass rates. DISCUSSION: The incorporation of manually verified results into the automated verification simulation indicated that the five rules established in this study have good applicability, and appropriate standards can lead to reasonable pass rates.

[Retrospective Analysis of Blood Test Results of Volunteer Blood Donors].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of unqualified blood screening among blood donors in Shaoxing region. METHODS: 257 145 blood samples from volunteer blood donors from 2017 to 2021 were tested for HBsAg, HCV, HIV, TP, ALT, HTLV, and NAT. All blood test results were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Over the 5-year period, the average failure rate of the tests for volunteer blood donors was 1.22%. In the descending order from high to low, the positive rates of ALT, HBsAg, NAT, TP, HCV, HIV, HTLV were 0.32%, 0.25%, 0.20%, 0.19%, 0.17%, 0.07%, and 0.01% respecitively. Of these, HBsAg (χ2=65.23), ALT (χ2=47.32), and HCV (χ2=12.73) were significantly different between different years (P <0.05), but TP (χ2=4.19), HIV (χ2=7.58), NAT (χ2=7.62), and HTLV (χ2=6.75) were no significant differences (P >0.05). And the positivity rates of HBsAg and HCV was a trend of decreasing. By comparing nucleic acid and enzyme immunoassay positive tests, the two methods were found to complement each other. The age and gender distribution difference of the positive population could help to better ensure safe blood recruitment. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to strengthen blood testing efforts and continuously pay attention to the changing patterns of positive blood-borne diseases in order to improve blood quality and safety.

Examining the Association Between Serotonergic Antidepressants and Blood Transfusion Requirements in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Comprehensive Analysis.

AIM: The study aimed to investigate the association between the use of serotonergic antidepressants and blood transfusion requirements in orthopedic surgical patients. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted at Kota Trauma Hospital, Kota, Rajasthan focusing on patients who underwent orthopedic surgeries between November 2021 through December 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups: users of serotonergic antidepressants and users of other antidepressants (non-selective serotonergic antidepressants). The requirement for blood transfusion for both groups was assessed. Covariate factors, such as medication use and comorbidities (e.g., diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases), were examined to control potential confounding variables. RESULT: A total of 170 subjects with complete medical records were included in the study. The results presented a significant association between the usage of serotonergic antidepressants and blood transfusion requirements (p=0.001). While no significant differences between the two groups were observed in perioperative hemoglobin levels and fluid infusion, there was a significant difference in blood loss and postoperative drainage. CONCLUSION: Serotonergic antidepressant usage was correlated with increased blood transfusion requirements in orthopedic surgery patients on antidepressants. The study underscores the importance of considering medication factors in perioperative management and highlights potential implications for patient care strategies.

A Case Report of Inhaled Nitric Oxide for Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurring during or within six hours after transfusion. On the other hand, while inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) temporarily improves arterial oxygenation with selective pulmonary vasodilation, there is no evidence of mortality reduction in ARDS. We herein report a case in which TRALI was diagnosed with severe hypoxemia during cardiovascular surgery, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was avoided by using iNO for respiratory management. Administering iNO to patients with acute respiratory failure may be useful as a bridging therapy to help patients recover. However, further evidence is needed before this treatment can become standard practise.

Optimization of quality assessment system of clinical blood transfusion records / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To determine the value of quality assessment system in supervising standard clinical blood use and improving the quality of clinical blood transfusion medical records. 【Methods】 The clinical blood transfusion records of Children′s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medical every quarter from January 2019 to December 2022 were selected and extracted for evaluation by 5% to 10% for the current season. These blood transfusion medical records were scored and graded A(≥90 points)/B(80-89 points)/C(<80 points)according to the Evaluation Table of Clinical Science Rational Use of Blood in Children′s Hospital of Zhejiang University, and the annual A rate was statistically analyzed. After summarizing the deduction points, a rectification plan was submitted to the medical department and publicized on the hospital network. 【Results】 A total of 1 975 blood transfusion medical records were analyzed from January 2019 to December 2022, including 343 in 2019 (17.37%), 517 in 2020 (26.18%), 556 in 2021 (28.15%) and 559 in 2022 (28.30%), with Grade A rates at 67.06%, 92.07%, 93.17% and 91.06%, respectively. According to Pearson Chi-square test, the Grade A rates of blood transfusion records in 2020, 2021 and 2022 were significantly higher than those in 2019 (P<0.000 1). In the assessment, the main reasons for deduction of points were missed pre-transfusion immunization tests and missed blood transfusion course records. From 2019 to 2022, the missed rates of pre-transfusion immunization tests were 22.68%, 6.47%, 1.26% and 2.49%, and the missed rates of blood transfusion course records were 32.21%, 10.59%, 5.57% and 6.61%, respectively. 【Conclusion】 The regular and reasonable assessment and publicity system of blood transfusion medical records is conducive to improving the quality of blood transfusion medical records, promoting rational blood use and ensuring the safety of blood use for children.

Establishment of Shaanxi rare blood group information supply platform / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To establish a rare blood group information supply platform in Shaanxi Province. 【Methods】 The rare blood group information supply platform consists of sample registration, result registration, donor files and inventory blood. The blood donation codes of voluntary blood donors were recorded for blood typing, and the antigen identification results of each blood group system were registered, all stored in the rare blood type information supply platform. When receiving an application for unusual or rare blood type missing multiple conventional antigens or a certain high-frequency antigen, the corresponding antigen negative blood donors and their blood status (in stock or not) were queried from the donor profile module of the platform, and the inventory of blood of rare blood type was monitored dynamically. 【Results】 The results showed that 5.060% (273/5 398) of rare Rh phenotype donors, 1.540‰ (51/33 010) of donors lacking multiple regular antigens, and 13 O-type donors lacking high-frequency antigens were recorded in the rare blood type information supply platform. Among them, 0.019‰ (3/158 484) of Jk(a-b-) phenotype, 0.436‰ (2/4 586) of Di(a+b-) phenotype, and 4.030‰ (8/1 983) of Fy (a-b+) phenotype were stored in the blood bank for rare blood type. 【Conclusion】 The establishment of rare blood group information supply platform can meet the urgent demand for blood of rare blood types in clinical practice and ensure the safety of blood transfusion.

Risk factors analysis of blood type unexpected antibody in large sample of inpatients / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To observe and analyze the detection results of blood type unexpected antibody and its risk factors in inpatients, so as to provide reference for promoting the safety of clinical blood transfusion. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 22 800 inpatients were collected retrospectively and unexpected antibody screening was performed by microcolumn gel method and saline method. According to the screening results, the inpatients were divided into positive group (n = 62) and negative group (n = 22 738). Clinical data of the two groups were collected and analized by univariate analysis, and specificity identification of unexpected antibody was performed in the positive group. The specific distribution characteristics of antibody were statistically analyzed, and the risk factors of unexpected antibody were analyzed by binary logistic regression. 【Results】 Among the 22 800 inpatients, the yield rate of unexpected antibody was 0.27% (62/22 800), with Rh, MNS, Lewis, Kidd blood group antibody, mixed antibody, autoantibodies and others accounted for 40.32% (25/62), 14.52% (9/62), 6.45%(4/62), 1.61%(1/62), 20.97%(13/62), 6.45%(4/62) and 9.68%(6/62), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in gender, age, pregnancy history, blood transfusion history, blood transfusion frequency and disease type between the positive group and the negative group by chi-square test (χ2 = 11.142, 6.994, 12.453, 4.762, 5.493, 92.381, all P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in nationality (χ2 = 3.719, P>0.05 ) . Binary logistic regression analysis showed that female, age >60 years old, with history of blood transfusion, number of blood transfusion >3 times, history of pregnancy, solid tumor and blood diseases, severe internal medical diseases were independent risk factors for unexpected antibody(P<0.05) . 【Conclusion】 For patients who need blood transfusion, especially those with the above risk factors, conducting unexpected antibodies screening and identification before transfusion, avoiding corresponding antibodies and selecting antigen-negative blood for cross-matching were suggested to ensure the effectiveness and safety of clinical blood transfusion.

Chagas Disease and Transfusion Risk in Italy: The Results of a National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Universal serological screening in endemic areas is essential for preventing Chagas disease transmission by transfusions, while in non-endemic areas, screening is provided only to donors exposed to the infection risk. In this respect, in order to ensure high and uniform standards of quality and safety of blood components, the Italian National Blood Centre conducted a survey to detect information on management of donors at risk of Chagas disease and on the current transfusion risk. METHODS: The National Blood Centre conducted a survey on preventive measures for Chagas disease in the years 2020-2021. RESULTS: Survey results are broadly representative of the national situation; out of 24,269 tested donors, only 15 donors were confirmed positive (0.4 out of 100,000 donors). This rate is lower than the number of positive donors (72/100,000) for transfusion transmissible infections (HIV, HBV, HCV, and T. pallidum) in the same period. Furthermore, the number of T. cruzi positive blood donors is lower than the T. cruzi positive subjects in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: In Italy, T. cruzi infection transfusion risk may be considered still very low, and this is confirmed by the absence of documented transfusion transmission.

Distribution characteristics of unexpected antibody in 1 779 patients and corresponding blood transfusion strategy / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To observe the distribution of the unexpected antibodies in order to study the safety and strategies in 1 779 cases of clinical blood transfusion. 【Methods】 A total of 1 779 patients with unexpected antibodies were enrolled from transfusion candidates in various hospitals in Xi′an during a 10-year period(from 2012 to 2022.5). 【Results】 The unexpected antibodies were detected in 926(52.05%) of 1779 samples. The detected antibodies were mainly from 8 blood group systems and their distributions were as follows: Rh antibodies in 69.76%(646/926), Kidd in 2.59%(24/926), Lewis in 4.21%(39/926), MNS in 12.53%(116/926), P in 0.43%(4/926), Diego in 0.65%(6/926), Duffy in 0.54%(5/926), I in 0.97%(9/926), Rh+ MNS in 1.30%(12/926), Rh+ Lewis in 0.65%(6/926), Rh+ Kidd in 3.24%(30/926), Rh+ Diego in 1.51%(14/926), Rh+ Duffy in 0.86%(8/926), MNS+ Diego in 0.11%(1/926), Rh+ MNS+ Kidd in 0.22%(2/926), Rh+ Lewis+ Kidd in 0.22%(2/926), Rh+ Kidd+ P in 0.11%(1/926), Rh+ Kidd+ Diego in 0.11%(1/926). 【Conclusion】 According to the distribution of unexpected antibodies in Xi′an, antibodies from Rh system, were the most common ones.First, the production of unexpected antibodies can be effectively reduced by establishing Rh compatible blood transfusion. Secondly, antibody screen cells containing low-frequency antigens, such as Mur, Dia and Wra, should be reasonably selected to prevent missing detection of anti-low frequency antigen antibodies in Xi′an. Furthermore, the genotyping technology of rare blood group should be promoted and a rare blood group red blood cell bank be established to optimize the blood inventory and ensure the safety of blood transfusion.

Research progress in the clearance mechanism of platelets stored at 4℃ / 中国输血杂志

Platelets transfusion is one of the most important methods to prevent and treat hemorrhagic diseases.At present, the vitro storage of platelets with gentle agitation at (22±2)℃ is short and susceptible to bacterial contamination, which greatly affects the availability and safety of clinical platelets transfusion.Studies at home and abroad have shown that storage at 4°C could prolong the preservation period of platelets.However, refrigeration may aggravate platelets storage lesion (PSL) and accelerate the clearance mechanism after transfusion, which seriously restricts the clinical application of refrigerated platelets.This paper reviews the research advances in PSL caused by 4℃ storage and the clearance mechanism after transfusion.

Study on the safety of homotype transfusion of military blood donors with negative unexpected antibodies / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the safety of homotypic transfusion in military donors with negative unexpected antibody. 【Methods】 Blood samples (4 mL/person)of eligible military blood donors from November 2018 to October 2019 in our hospital (also working as forces blood station) were conducted for RBC antigen typing, unexpected antibody screening, direct antiglobulin test and cross-match test using microcolumn gel technology, and the compatibility of homotype blood samples was statistical analyzed. 【Results】 A total of 1 577 samples from eligible military blood donors were collected, including A RhD (+ ), B RhD (+ ), O RhD (+ ) and AB RhD (+ ), accounting for 31.39% (495/1 577), 34.37% (542/1 577), 24.10% (380/1 577) and 10.15% (160/1 577), respectively. Six samples presenting positive unexpected antibodies (0.38%, 6/1 577) were screened out, and a total of 7 141 cross-matching tests were performed on 1 571 unexpected antibody negative samples, including A RhD (+ ) [37.36% (2 668/7 141)], B RhD (+ ) [34.81% (2 486/7 141)], O RhD (+ ) [17.71% (1265/7 141)] and AB RhD (+ ) [10.11% (722/7 141)]. There was only 1 case of incompatible cross-matching presented between other donors and clinical patients, and the direct antiglobulin test was 1+ , therefore suspended red blood cells of the donor were scrapped. 【Conclusion】 There was high compatibility and good security of homotype transfusion of military blood donors with negative unexpected antibody.

A Rare Case of Hypoparathyroidism and Myxedema Coma in a Patient With Diamond-Blackfan Anemia.

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare genetic condition that presents due to bone marrow failure caused by a dysfunction in ribosomal biogenesis and function. The patients would often require chronic transfusions as treatment, which puts them at high risk for the development of secondary hemochromatosis. This secondary hemochromatosis results in endocrinopathies due to iron deposition into the endocrine glands. We present an interesting case report of a female patient with multiple endocrinopathies due to secondary hemochromatosis resulting from chronic transfusion therapy. Her endocrinopathies included hypothyroidism complicated by myxedema coma and, interestingly, hypoparathyroidism, which has seldom been reported in DBA patients. Early diagnosis and precise treatment of life-threatening conditions like myxedema coma in DBA patients can avoid morbidity and mortality.

Quality analysis of platelet concentrates prepared with optimized blood collection bags / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the quality of platelet concentrates prepared by two different blood collection bags, so as to provide references for the development of high-quality platelet preparation. 【Methods】 Platelet concentrates were prepared using buffy coating from the whole blood collected by conventional and optimized single-use blood collection bags with leukoreduction filter, respectively. The volume of whole blood collected was 400 mL, and 60 bags in total. They were divided into group A (conventional collection bags, n=30), and the size of buffy coating pouch was 15 cm×12 cm; group B (optimized collection bags, n=30), and the size of buffy coating pouch was 11 cm×9 cm. 【Results】 There were significant differences between group A and group B in the amount of red blood cells contamination, platelet content, and platelet yielding rate (P<0.05), which were (2.62±0.57)×109/mL vs (1.37±0.35)×109/mL, (4.41±0.31)×1010/mL vs (6.21±0.63)×1010/mL, and (55.03±0.06)% vs (79.23±0.09)%, respectively. 【Conclusion】 The buffy coating pouch with the size of 11 cm×9 cm can produce better platelet concentrates, thus improves the safety and efficacy of clinical blood transfusion.

Improving blood transfusion safety in resource-poor countries: a case study of using leucocyte reduced blood in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: The majority of blood transfusion safety strategies recommended by the WHO for resource-poor countries focus mainly on reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). Other technologies such as leucocyte reduction may represent complementary strategies for improving transfusion safety. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of using leucocyte reduced blood in a resource-poor country. METHODS: Pre-storage leucocyte reduced (LR) red blood cells (RBCs) were specially prepared for the Tissue Oxygenation by Transfusion in severe Anaemia and Lactic acidosis (TOTAL) study, at the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services from February 2013 through May 2015. Quality control tests were performed to evaluate the procedure, and the incremental cost of an LR-RBC unit was estimated. RESULTS: A total of 608 RBCs units were leucocyte reduced. Quality control tests were performed on 55 random RBCs units. The median (IQR) residual leucocyte count was 4 (0·5-10) WBC/uL, equivalent to 1·8x106 WBC per unit. The estimated incremental unit cost of leucocyte reduction was $37 USD per LR RBC unit. CONCLUSION: Leucocyte reduction of blood in a resource-poor country is doable although relatively costly. As such, its value in resource-poor countries should be weighed against other transfusion safety propositions.

Prevalence of red blood cell antibodies in whole blood donors: A single-centre experience in north India.

Background & objectives: Blood transfusion therapy involves multiple steps to ensure selection of safe blood component for transfusion. This includes testing for infectious markers, full ABO compatibility, free from any clinically significant red cell antibodies and acceptable donor's red cell survival rates without destruction of recipient's red cells. The red cell antibodies present in healthy blood donors can cause severe haemolytic transfusion reaction, especially in massive blood transfusion recipients and paediatric patients. Hence, screening of red cell antibodies in donor blood is important to provide compatible blood products and to avoid haemolytic transfusion reactions in susceptible patient population. This study was planned to assess prevalence, aetiology and type of unexpected red cell antibodies in a large number of whole blood donor population in north India. Methods: This three-year prospective observational study included blood donor samples for antibody screening from January 2015 to December 2017. A total of 166,803 healthy blood donors including 156,128 (93.6%) males and 10,675 (6.4%) females were screened. Results: The prevalence of red cell antibodies was 0.17 per cent in our donor population. Of the total 286 donors with red cell antibodies, 248 (86.7%) had alloantibodies, 30 (10.5%) had autoantibodies and eight donors (2.8%) showed positive antibody screening with inconclusive results. Interpretation & conclusions: Alloimmunization to red cell antigens is a challenging task for current transfusion practices. The antibody screening in blood donors may improve the quality and safety of blood transfusion in the recipients. It also reduces the risk of complications from incompatible blood transfusions.

Difficulties in achieving a sustainable blood supply: report from the first national seminar on blood donation in Lebanon

Background: Lebanon has a decentralized/fragmented transfusion system. The current blood supply does not meet the World Health Organization target of achieving 100% voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRD). There are currently 3 types of donors/donations in Lebanon: replacement/family donations (70–75%), VNRD (20–25%), and compensated donations (5–10%). Remunerated donations are illegal. Aims: This report summarizes the content of presentations given during the first World Blood Donor Day seminar in Lebanon in June 2017. The aim is to describe the current Lebanese blood supply system and the major road blocks and to suggest practical recommendations that may assist in achieving 100% VNRD. Methods: The content of presentations given during the first World Blood Donor Day seminar in Lebanon in June 2017 were summarized. Results: The seminar was attended by all major stakeholders involved in transfusion medicine (Lebanese National Committee of Blood Transfusion, Hospital Blood Banks directors, Lebanese Army Blood Bank, Lebanese Red Cross and Donner Sang Compter). Conclusions: The Ministry of Public Health should focus on performing regular audits regarding the implementation of national guidelines. There is a need for a national blood supply committee, unifying all stakeholders in the transfusion and donation fields. Transfusion medicine should be declared by law as a public health issue and considered a priority for patient safety.

Implementation and Effectiveness of a Bar Code-Based Transfusion Management System for Transfusion Safety in a Tertiary Hospital: Retrospective Quality Improvement Study.

BACKGROUND: Large-scale and long-term studies are not sufficient to determine the efficiency that IT solutions can bring to transfusion safety. OBJECTIVE: This quality-improvement report describes our continuous efforts to implement and upgrade a bar code-based transfusion management (BCTM) system since 2011 and examines its effectiveness and sustainability in reducing blood transfusion errors, in a 3000-bed tertiary hospital, where more than 60,000 prescriptions of blood transfusion are covered by 2500 nurses each year. METHODS: The BCTM system uses barcodes for patient identification, onsite labeling, and blood product verification, through wireless connection to the hospital information systems. Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were used to improve the process. Process maps before and after implementation of the BCTM system in 2011 were drawn to highlight the changes. The numbers of incorrect labeling or wrong blood in tube incidents that occurred quarterly were plotted on a run chart to monitor the quality changes of each intervention introduced. The annual occurrences of error events from 2011 to 2017 were compared with the mean occurrence of 2008-2010 to determine whether implementation of the BCTM system could effectively reduce the number of errors in 2016 and whether this reduction could persist in 2017. RESULTS: The error rate decreased from 0.03% in 2008-2010 to 0.002% in 2016 (P<.001) and 0.001% in 2017 (P<.001) after implementation of the BTCM system. Only one incorrect labeling incident was noted among the 68,324 samples for blood typing, and no incorrect transfusions occurred among 67,423 transfusion orders in 2017. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates that continuous efforts to upgrade the existing process is critical to reduce errors in transfusion therapy, with support from information technology.

Reflections on current status of blood transfusion transplant viral safety in UK/Europe and on novel strategies for enhancing donors/recipients healthcare in promising era of advanced cell therapy/regenerative medicine.

In this report, a personal view is provided on the current achievements and challenges with unresolved issues regarding the viral and transfusion safety of blood in the UK and Europe. Advances in plasma fractionation processes and the use of alternative strategies to reshape treatment of bleeding disorders are also explored. The relationships between the cellular storage lesion and transfusion outcomes using newer tools such as -omics are explored. The use of some newer developments in the promising areas of diagnosis, development, and research [DDR] strategies for improving healthcare of both donors and recipients are discussed using the current transfusion transplant practices in the UK as an example. Other key sections include: a concise presentation of the "Big Six Parameters" for enhancing the safety of transfusion / transplant practice; surmounting the unresolved issues of blood viral safety and food borne diseases, the circulatory role of the donor-gut microbiome in transfusion-induced immunomodulation, and the use of extracellular vesicles [EV] in routine aspects of the cell lesion and in the clinical performance of red cells. These topics are discussed together with the concept of using cell microparticles in drug delivery and the promising role of novel blood products such as serum eye drops and platelet lysates in regenerative medicine. It is hoped that the information conveyed in this overview would be of educational value and serve the transfusion/ transplant services and those involved in related clinical-DDR strategies worldwide and cultivate future talents capable of serving patients.

The Urgency to Mitigate the Spread of Hepatitis C in Pakistan Through Blood Transfusion Reform.

Blood transfusions are contributing to a higher rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Pakistan. Half of all blood transfusions in Pakistan are not screened for hepatitis C, hepatitis B or HIV. Family members donate blood that is likely not tested due to social stigma attached to HCV. Paid donations are also quite common in the country, especially by people who inject drugs (PWID), which increases the population's exposure to HCV. Most of the population utilizes the private sector for their health needs; this sector has lax regulation due to the lack of oversight by the government or any other regulatory body. In addition, groups who are at most need for blood transfusions, such as hemophiliacs and those with thalassemia, have a higher rate of hepatitis C. This fact reinforces the need for blood transfusion reform in Pakistan, which includes improving oversight, upgrading infrastructure and promoting health literacy through cultural norms, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The lessons learned in Pakistan can be adapted to countries facing similar issues.