Reduction of hepatitis B seroprevalence in blood banking units by combined utilization of self-exclusion forms and clinical evaluation of blood donation candidates in Turkey.
In this retrospectively designed study, we evaluate the influence of the permanence and qualifications of health-care professionals on blood disposal rates due to hepatitis seropositivity. We observed a decrease of 44.2% in the number of blood units being rejected due to the donor's hepatitis B seropositivity in the second study period in which self-exclusion forms and where blood donation candidates were evaluated by a family physician. However, a similar decrease of the disposal rate due to hepatitis C seropositivity was not observed. This is especially important in countries which cannot afford many of the expensive modern laboratory tests. A comprehensive evaluation of self-exclusion forms and a brief examination prior to donation will greatly increase transfusion safety. Unfortunately, there are blood banks in Turkey which employ no physicians at all.
Yenicesu
Idil
I
Idil Yenicesu, Blood Bank Center, School of Medicine, Gazi University, PO Box 06500, Beşevler, Ankara, Turkey. iyenicesu@gazi.edu.tr
Dilsiz
Günter
G
Oztürk
Gülyüz
G
D001771:Blood Banks / Q000592:standards; D001782:Blood Donors / Q000523:psychology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D010808:Physical Examination; D012650:Self Disclosure; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies