Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) are a major problem associated with blood transfusion practices. Aims & Objectives: The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors in one of the blood bank in Bareilly city.
Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed healthy blood donors, over a period of one year (Jan 2013 – Dec 2013), from the records of the blood bank of Indian Medical Association (IMA) at Bareilly for HBsAg, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), HIV and Syphilis, by using the appropriate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HIV infection was confirmed using a standard immunoblotting technique. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) was tested for surface antigen (HBsAg) and HCV by the immune chromatographic method. The Venereal Disease Reference Laboratory (VDRL) test was used for estimation of syphilis infection. The study was designed for a duration of four months from April 2012 to July 2012. Medical reports of the donors were accessed from the hospital records and analyzed.
Results: A total of 28,395 blood donors were screened. 60.43% were replacement donors, and 39.57% were voluntary donors. 95.21% were males. The overall seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV and Syphilis were 1.93%, 1.02%, 0.27% and 0.16% respectively. Conclusion: Strict selection of blood donors with emphasis on getting voluntary donors, and comprehensive screening of donors for TTIs using standard methods are highly recommended to ensure the safety of blood for recipient.