Patient and Immunological Factors Associated With Delayed Clearance of Mucosal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA and Symptom Persistence.

Serial blood and mucosal samples were characterized for 102 participants enrolled a median of 7.0 days after coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis. Mucosal RNA was detectable for a median of 31.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.5-63.5) days, with persistence ≥1 month associated with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2; odds ratio [OR], 3.9 [95% CI, 1.2-13.8]) but not age, sex, or chronic conditions. Fifteen participants had likely reinfection; lower serum anti-spike IgG levels were associated with reinfection risk. Nearly half of participants (47%) reported symptoms lasting ≥2-3 months; persistence ≥3 months was associated with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (OR, 4.2 [95% CI, 1.1-12.8]) and peak anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid antibody levels.

A randomized trial of blood donor iron repletion on red cell quality for transfusion and donor cognition and well-being.

Although altruistic regular blood donors are vital for the blood supply, many become iron deficient from donation-induced iron loss. The effects of blood donation-induced iron deficiency on red cell transfusion quality or donor cognition are unknown. In this double-blind, randomized trial, adult iron-deficient blood donors (n = 79; ferritin < 15 µg/L and zinc protoporphyrin >60 µMol/mol heme) who met donation qualifications were enrolled. A first standard blood donation was followed by the gold-standard measure for red cell storage quality: a 51-chromium posttransfusion red cell recovery study. Donors were then randomized to intravenous iron repletion (1 g low-molecular-weight iron dextran) or placebo. A second donation ∼5 months later was followed by another recovery study. Primary outcome was the within-subject change in posttransfusion recovery. The primary outcome measure of an ancillary study reported here was the National Institutes of Health Toolbox-derived uncorrected standard Cognition Fluid Composite Score. Overall, 983 donors were screened; 110 were iron-deficient, and of these, 39 were randomized to iron repletion and 40 to placebo. Red cell storage quality was unchanged by iron repletion: mean change in posttransfusion recovery was 1.6% (95% confidence interval -0.5 to 3.8) and -0.4% (-2.0 to 1.2) with and without iron, respectively. Iron repletion did not affect any cognition or well-being measures. These data provide evidence that current criteria for blood donation preserve red cell transfusion quality for the recipient and protect adult donors from measurable effects of blood donation-induced iron deficiency on cognition. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02889133 and NCT02990559.

Syphilis seroprevalence and incidence in US blood donors from 2020 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: HIV, HBV, and HCV infections for ~60% of the US blood supply are monitored by TTIMS with syphilis added in 2020. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were compiled from October 2020 to September 2022. Syphilis prevalence was estimated for allogeneic and directed donors who were consensus positive (CP) and the subset of those with confirmed-active infections (AI). Prevalence and incidence were stratified by demographics for two consecutive 1-year periods, starting October 1, 2020 and for both years combined. Incidence was estimated for repeat donors. Associations between syphilis positivity and other infections were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 14.75 million donations, syphilis prevalence was 28.4/100,000 donations and significantly higher during the second year compared to the first year. Overall, syphilis incidence for the two-year period was 10.8/100,000 person-years. The adjusted odds of a CP infection were 1.18 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.26) times higher in the second year compared to the first, and for AI, 1.22 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.35) times higher in year 2. Highest rates occurred among males, first-time, Black, and younger (ages 18-39) donors, and those in the South US Census region. Syphilis CP donors were 64 (95% CI: 46, 89) times more likely to be HIV CP, and AI donors 77 (95% CI: 52, 114) times more likely to be HIV CP than non-CP donors, when controlling for confounders. SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONS: Syphilis prevalence increased over the study period mirroring national trends reported by CDC and is significantly associated with HIV CP.

Changes in transfusion-transmissible infection prevalence and demographics among US blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the US blood supply. We compared blood donor demography and infectious disease prevalence before and during the pandemic using a large multicenter database. METHODS: Data were categorized as "Before COVID-19" (March 2018-February 2020) or "During COVID-19" (March 2020-February 2022). Donor demographics, donation frequency, and infectious marker prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV were compared for the two time periods. The odds of a donor testing positive for these infections among the two time periods were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Our study assessed a total of 26,672,213 donations including 13,430,380 before and 13,241,833 during COVID-19. There were significantly more donations from donors who were female, aged 40 and older, white, and repeat, during COVID-19. Donation frequency comparison quantified the increase in donations from donors who were white, female, older, and repeat during the pandemic. The prevalence of HIV and HCV decreased significantly during COVID-19 compared to before, but not for HBV. For HIV, the adjusted odds of infection during the pandemic did not differ but for HBV, the odds were significantly more likely during the pandemic and were significantly lower for HCV. DISCUSSION: Demographics and infectious disease marker prevalence changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Prevalence of each infection in the donor population will continue to be monitored to determine if changes were specific to the pandemic period.

HIV incidence in US first-time blood donors and transfusion risk with a 12-month deferral for men who have sex with men.

In 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration published revised guidance that recommended a change in blood donor deferral of men who have sex with men (MSM) from an indefinite to a 12-month deferral since the donor last had sex with a man. We assessed whether HIV incidence in first-time blood donors or associated transfusion risk increased. Donations in 4 major blood collection organizations were monitored for 15 months before and 2 years after implementation of the 12-month MSM deferral policy. HIV-positive donations were classified as recently acquired or long-term using a recent infection testing algorithm and incidence in both periods estimated. Residual transfusion transmission risk was estimated by multiplying incidence by the length of the infectious window period. The latter was estimated using a model based on infectious dose and the sensitivity of nucleic acid testing. Factors associated with incident infection in each period were assessed using Poisson regression. Overall HIV incidence in first-time donors before implementation of the 12-month MSM deferral was estimated at 2.62 cases per 100 000 person-years (105 PY) (95% credible interval [CI], 1.53-3.93 cases/105 PY), and after implementation at 2.85 cases/105 PY (95% CI, 1.96-3.93 cases/105 PY), with no statistically significant change. In male first-time donors, the incidence difference was 0.93 cases/105 PY (95% CI, -1.74-3.58 cases/105 PY). The residual risk of HIV transfusion transmission through components sourced from first-time donors was estimated at 0.32 transmissions per million (106) packed red blood cell transfusions (95% CI, 0.29-0.65 transmissions/106 transfusions) before and 0.35 transmissions/106 transfusions (95% CI, 0.31-0.65 transmissions/106 transfusions) after implementation. The difference was not statistically significant. Factors associated with incident infection were the same in each period. We observed no increase in HIV incidence or HIV transfusion transmission risk after implementation of a 12-month MSM deferral policy.

HIV antiretroviral therapy and prevention use in US blood donors: a new blood safety concern.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection are effective tools to help end the HIV epidemic. However, their use could affect HIV transfusion-transmission risk. Three different ART/PrEP prevalence analyses in blood donors were conducted. First, blood samples from HIV-positive and a comparison group of infection-nonreactive donors were tested under blind using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for ART. Second, blood donor samples from infection-nonreactive, 18- to 45-year-old, male, first-time blood donors in 6 US locations were tested for emtricitabine and tenofovir. Third, in men who have sex with men (MSM) participating in the 2017 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) from 5 US cities, self-reported PrEP use proximate to donation was assessed. In blind testing, no ART was detected in 300 infection-nonreactive donor samples, but in 299 HIV confirmed-infected donor samples, 46 (15.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.5% to 20.0%) had evidence of ART. Of the 1494 samples tested from first-time male donors, 9 (0.6%; 95% CI, 0.03% to 1.1%) had tenofovir and emtricitabine. In the NHBS MSM survey, 27 of 591 respondents (4.8%; 95% CI, 3.2% to 6.9%) reported donating blood in 2016 or 2017 and PrEP use within the same time frame as blood donation. Persons who are HIV positive and taking ART and persons taking PrEP to prevent HIV infection are donating blood. Both situations could lead to increased risk of HIV transfusion transmission if blood screening assays are unable to detect HIV in donations from infected donors.

Blood donation motivators and barriers reported by young, first-time whole blood donors: Examining the association of reported motivators and barriers with subsequent donation behavior and potential sex, race, and ethnic group differences.

BACKGROUND: A greater understanding of young, first-time donor motivators and barriers is needed to address the ongoing challenge of retaining these essential donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Structured interviews conducted with 508 young, first-time whole blood donors [66.1% female; Mean Age = 19.4 (SD = 2.5) years] were coded to identify reported motivators and barriers. Reported motivators and barriers were then examined for their association with attempted donation behavior over a 14-month follow-up, and for potential sex, race, and ethnic group differences in the frequency of endorsement. RESULTS: Prosocial motivation (e.g., altruism) was the most commonly reported motivator and fear (e.g., fainting, needles) was the most commonly reported barrier. Donation behavior was unrelated to reported motivators, but was significantly related to four reported barriers including fear of fainting/dizziness, fear of needles/pain, having personal commitments that conflict with donating, and perceiving oneself as unsuited to donate for health reasons. Sex, racial, and ethnic differences were noted with respect to the percentages of donors reporting several donation-related motivators and barriers. CONCLUSION: The present findings identify donation-related barriers that could be important targets to address in the effort to encourage new young donors and to retain these new donors for the long term. Importantly, these data also highlight the importance of considering individual differences in donor motivation as a function of sex, race, and ethnicity.

Screening of blood donors for sickle cell trait using a DNA-based approach: Frequency in a multiethnic donor population.

BACKGROUND: Minority RBC donors are important to support the transfusion needs of patients with sickle cell disease. Testing of donors for sickle cell trait (SCT) is performed to avoid transfusion of hemoglobin S+ (HbS+) RBCs to specific patient groups and to investigate leukoreduction failures. A screening assay based on hemoglobin solubility is commonly used. The purpose of this study was to validate a DNA approach for HbS screening. METHODS: Hemoglobin solubility screening (Pacific Hemostasis or SICKLEDEX) and PreciseType human erythrocyte antigen (HEA)-HbS (Immucor) targeting c.20A>T in the ß-globin gene were performed according to manufacturer's directions. Resolution of differences in results included gene sequencing and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Initial validation of HEA-HbS performed by testing 60 known samples, 20 HbS/A, A/A, and S/S, gave expected results. However, in the subsequent parallel testing phase, 4/58 samples HbS+ by solubility assay tested negative by HEA-HbS; the negative results were confirmed by ß-globin gene sequencing. Samples from donors self-identifying as White testing HbS+ by solubility assay (n = 60) were retested by HEA-HbS and HPLC. The HEA-HbS assay was concordant with HPLC which is recognized as the gold standard for hemoglobin variation. CONCLUSION: A DNA-based approach is an alternative to screen donors for SCT, found in approximately 7% of Black and 1.7% of our random donors. HEA-HbS correlated with HPLC results in all samples tested, supporting the use of HEA-HbS as the test of record. The method allows higher throughput screening and testing at the donor center allows association of the screening result with the donor record to avoid repeat testing.

Evaluating blood donor experiences and barriers/facilitators to blood donation in the United States using YouTube video content.

BACKGROUND: Understanding donor perception of the blood donation experience is central to maintaining an adequate blood supply. Studies that use questionnaires to assess barriers/facilitators to donation may be influenced by response bias. To address this, we conducted an innovative study integrating quantitative informatic techniques with qualitative data analysis of YouTube video content to explore donor experiences and barriers and facilitators to whole blood donation. METHODS: Sampling of YouTube videos was conducted using search parameters for identifying relevant videos, based on donors' language used to describe their whole blood donation experiences (e.g., blood donation, blood donor, donated blood, gave/give blood). We eliminated duplicate videos; filtered out non-English videos, those made outside the United States, and those with no transcripts; and restricted the time period during which videos were posted from 2015 to 2019. Search parameters were fed into a Python script, which downloaded video transcripts for all search results. The final sample was 102 noncommercial and 34 commercial transcripts. The subsequent transcriptions were uploaded into qualitative analysis software and coded two coders. A third coder randomly selected transcripts to review to ensure consistency. RESULTS: Barriers to whole blood donation include having prior negative experiences with donation and donation-related fear. Facilitators included altruism, having a personal connection to donation, donation center incentives, and positive experiences with blood center staff. CONCLUSION: Themes identified in this study were similar to those in the existing literature. This suggests that current questionnaires to address barriers/facilitators to donation are unlikely to be meaningfully impacted by response bias.

Promoting awareness of donation-related iron depletion among high risk blood donors.

BACKGROUND: The potential for iron deficiency is a known blood donor health concern and suggests the need to inform donors about the potential risks of low iron levels as well as strategies to address these risks. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Frequent (n = 904) and young (n = 629) donors were randomly assigned within risk group to either a control (n = 548) or an intervention (n = 985) group. The control group answered questions at baseline and 6-month follow-up regarding their awareness of the risk of donation-related iron depletion and whether they were taking actions to address their iron status. The intervention group answered the same questions at baseline and follow-up, but after completing the baseline survey, they received information regarding their risk of iron depletion and behaviors they could adopt to mitigate this risk. Intervention group participants were also offered the opportunity to develop an action plan to help them supplement their iron intake. RESULTS: The intervention enhanced overall awareness of donation-related iron loss (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.171-1.864, p = .001), with no negative impact on retention. Reported iron health behaviors (iron supplementation, speaking with a doctor) showed significant increases when action planning was paired with the educational information. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that it is possible to increase awareness of donation-related risk for iron depletion without negatively influencing retention, and combining education with encouragement to develop an action plan may increase the likelihood of both retention and behavioral changes to promote healthy iron levels.

Characteristics of coronavirus disease 19 convalescent plasma donors and donations in the New York metropolitan area.

BACKGROUND: Convalescent plasma (CP) is an important initial treatment in pandemics and the New York (NY) metropolitan area is likely to remain a hotspot for collection and distribution of such units. This study reports characteristics of coronavirus disease 19 CP (CCP) donors and their donations to the New York Blood Center (NYBC). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All CCP data from our first day of collection on March 26th through July 7th, 2020 are included in this retrospective analysis. Donor and donation data were extracted from NYBC electronic databases. SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing was initially performed by the NY State Department of Health, and later by NYBC using Ortho and Abbott platforms. RESULTS: CCP donor age and ABO distributions were consistent with reported lower COVID-19 susceptibility in O blood types. CCP versus whole blood donors had similar on-site deferrals, but higher post-donation deferral rates. CCP versus routine plasmapheresis donations had higher vasovagal reactions but similar product rejection rates. Changes in antibody (Ab) test platforms resulted in significant changes in the percent of donors regarded as antibody positive. Donor correlates with higher anti-spike total Ig S/CO ratios were Hispanic ethnicity, overweight body mass index, and longer symptom duration; and with higher anti-nucleocapsid IgG S/CO ratios were male gender, older age, Hispanic ethnicity, and fewer days between symptom onset and first donation. DISCUSSION: We identify donor characteristics not previously reported to correlate with Ab titer. Our analysis should assist with donor outreach strategies, blood center operating logistics, and recruitment of high titer donors.

Fear is associated with attrition of first-time whole blood donors: A longitudinal examination of donor confidence and attitude as potential mediators.

BACKGROUND: Elevated fear and anxiety regarding donation-related stimuli (e.g., needles, pain, blood, fainting) has been associated with reduced blood donor recruitment and retention. The present longitudinal study tests the notion that this inverse relationship may be accounted for by lower donation confidence and more negative donation attitudes among fearful first-time donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a sample of 1479 first-time whole blood donors [67.9% female; mean age = 19.3 (standard deviation (SD) = 2.5) years], path analyses were conducted to examine relationships among donor ratings of fear of blood draw and donation anxiety obtained approximately 1 week after donation, donation confidence and attitudes assessed approximately 6 weeks later, and donation attempts over the 14 months following the original donation. RESULTS: Path analyses indicated that both fear of blood draws and donation anxiety were associated with fewer attempted donations, and that these effects were indirectly mediated by a combination of lower donor confidence and more negative donation attitudes. CONCLUSION: Because retention of new blood donors is essential to maintain a healthy blood supply, the results of the present study suggest that first-time donors should be assessed for fear and anxiety so that appropriate strategies can be provided to address their concerns, bolster their confidence and attitudes, and ultimately promote their long-term retention.

HIV, HCV, and HBV incidence and residual risk in US blood donors before and after implementation of the 12-month deferral policy for men who have sex with men.

BACKGROUND: In December 2015, the men who have sex with men (MSM) deferral was reduced to 12 months in the United States. We compared human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) incidence and residual risk before and after this policy change using data from >50% of the US blood supply. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Three estimation intervals from the Transfusion-Transmissible Infections Monitoring System were compared: 15-months pre- and two consecutive, nonoverlapping 15-month post-MSM deferral implementation. Repeat, first-time, and weighted all-donor incidences were estimated. Residual risk was calculated for all incidence estimates using the incidence/window-period method. RESULTS: HIV repeat donor incidence was 1.57 per 100 000 person-years (phtpy) in the second 15-month post change and not significantly different from pre-MSM incidence of 2.19 phtpy. Similar values were seen for HCV (1.49 phtpy vs 1.46 phtpy) and HBV (1.14 phtpy vs 0.97 phtpy). In some cases, higher estimated incidence, but without significant change from pre-MSM to the second post change period occurred for males and first-time donors (eg, first-time donors, second post change period: 6.12 phtpy HIV, 6.41 phtpy HCV and 5.34 phtpy HBV). Estimated per donation residual risk was 1:1.6 million for HIV, 1:2.0 million for HCV and 1:1.0 million for HBV based on weighted incidence for all donors. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat, first-time, and overall donor incidence did not vary significantly comparing pre-MSM to either of the post-MSM estimation intervals. Residual risk estimates vary by study, but all yield residual risks in the United States of ≤1 per million, and thus far have not shown increasing risk with the 12-month MSM policy change.

Results from the blood donor competence, autonomy, and relatedness enhancement (blood donor CARE) randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to promote competence, autonomy, and relatedness among first-time whole blood donors to enhance intrinsic motivation and increase retention. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a full factorial design, first-time donors (N = 2002) were randomly assigned to a no-treatment control condition or to one of seven intervention conditions designed to promote donation competence, autonomy, relatedness, a combination of two (e.g., competence and autonomy), or all three constructs. Participants completed donor motivation measures before the intervention and 6 weeks later, and subsequent donation attempts were assessed for 1 year. RESULTS: There was no significant group difference in the frequency of donation attempts or in the number of days to return. Significant effects of group were observed for 10 of the 12 motivation measures, although follow-up analyses revealed significant differences from the control group were restricted to interventions that included an autonomy component. Path analyses confirmed direct associations between interventions involving autonomy and donor motivation, and indirect mediation of donation attempts via stronger donation intentions and lower donation anxiety. CONCLUSION: Among young, first-time, whole blood donors, brief interventions that include support for donor autonomy were associated with direct effects on donor motivation and indirect, but small, effects on subsequent donation behavior.

Minipool testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in United States blood donors.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 RNA prevalence in blood donors from large geographic areas of high community transmission is limited. We tested residual donor plasma minipools (MPs) to determine SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia prevalence in six United States areas. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: Blood donations collected from 7 March 2020 to 25 September 2020 were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (vRNA) in MP of 6 or 16 donations using the Grifols Procleix SARS-CoV-2 research-use only (RUO) transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay. Reactive results were confirmed using an alternate target region TMA assay. Reactive MPs were tested by TMA after serial dilution to estimate viral load. Testing for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and infectivity was performed. RESULTS: A total of 17,995 MPs corresponding to approximately 258,000 donations were tested for vRNA. Three confirmed reactive MP16 were identified. The estimated prevalence of vRNA reactive donations was 1.16/100,000 (95% CI 0.40, 3.42). The vRNA-reactive samples were non-reactive for antibody, and the estimated viral loads of the (presumed single) positive donations within each MP ranged from <1000 to <4000 copies/ml. When tested, no infectivity was observed in inoculated permissive cell cultures. DISCUSSION: Blood donation MP-nucleic acid testing (NAT) indicated that SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia is infrequent and, when detected, the vRNA was at low concentrations. Only one RNA-reactive MP could be tested for infectivity for operational reasons and was not infectious in cell culture. These findings support current recommendations from international and national regulatory agencies to not screen donors by NAT.

Estimated US Infection- and Vaccine-Induced SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Based on Blood Donations, July 2020-May 2021.

Importance: People who have been infected with or vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 have reduced risk of subsequent infection, but the proportion of people in the US with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from infection or vaccination is uncertain. Objective: To estimate trends in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence related to infection and vaccination in the US population. Design, Setting, and Participants: In a repeated cross-sectional study conducted each month during July 2020 through May 2021, 17 blood collection organizations with blood donations from all 50 US states; Washington, DC; and Puerto Rico were organized into 66 study-specific regions, representing a catchment of 74% of the US population. For each study region, specimens from a median of approximately 2000 blood donors were selected and tested each month; a total of 1 594 363 specimens were initially selected and tested. The final date of blood donation collection was May 31, 2021. Exposure: Calendar time. Main Outcomes and Measures: Proportion of persons with detectable SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid antibodies. Seroprevalence was weighted for demographic differences between the blood donor sample and general population. Infection-induced seroprevalence was defined as the prevalence of the population with both spike and nucleocapsid antibodies. Combined infection- and vaccination-induced seroprevalence was defined as the prevalence of the population with spike antibodies. The seroprevalence estimates were compared with cumulative COVID-19 case report incidence rates. Results: Among 1 443 519 specimens included, 733 052 (50.8%) were from women, 174 842 (12.1%) were from persons aged 16 to 29 years, 292 258 (20.2%) were from persons aged 65 years and older, 36 654 (2.5%) were from non-Hispanic Black persons, and 88 773 (6.1%) were from Hispanic persons. The overall infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence estimate increased from 3.5% (95% CI, 3.2%-3.8%) in July 2020 to 20.2% (95% CI, 19.9%-20.6%) in May 2021; the combined infection- and vaccination-induced seroprevalence estimate in May 2021 was 83.3% (95% CI, 82.9%-83.7%). By May 2021, 2.1 SARS-CoV-2 infections (95% CI, 2.0-2.1) per reported COVID-19 case were estimated to have occurred. Conclusions and Relevance: Based on a sample of blood donations in the US from July 2020 through May 2021, vaccine- and infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence increased over time and varied by age, race and ethnicity, and geographic region. Despite weighting to adjust for demographic differences, these findings from a national sample of blood donors may not be representative of the entire US population.

Examination of the relationship between iron status and cognitive function among healthy young women with and without a recent history of blood donation.

BACKGROUND: With growing awareness of the prevalence of nonanemic iron deficiency among blood donors, there is a need to explore the extent of potential negative consequences. This study examined the relationship between various measures of iron status, blood donation history, and neuropsychological and psychosocial functioning in healthy young women. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, 160 female undergraduates completed neuropsychology tests and measures of sleep, fatigue, quality of life, and depression before providing a blood sample. Correlational analyses examined the relationship between iron status (ferritin, iron, hemoglobin, and zinc protoporphyrin) and cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Performance on these measures was also examined as a function of recent blood donation history (zero, one, more than one donation in the past year). RESULTS: Iron status (low ferritin, iron, or hemoglobin or high zinc protoporphyrin) was not associated with poorer performance on the cognitive tasks. Further, participants who reported donating once in the previous year performed better, rather than worse, than those with no recent donation history on several measures of executive function, even when controlling for ferritin levels. Although there was some evidence of greater fatigue among those who had donated more than once in the past year, this effect was not accounted for by ferritin levels. CONCLUSION: The present findings are consistent with prior evidence that nonanemic iron deficiency is not associated with cognitive impairment or psychosocial dysfunction in healthy young females. Because these results are based on cross-sectional evidence, further study using longitudinal research is needed to confirm these findings.

A randomized controlled trial of a tablet-based intervention to address predonation fears among high school donors.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have shown donation-related fear to be associated with decreased donor confidence and an increased risk for vasovagal reactions. This study examined the effects of a predonation intervention that provided fearful donors with suggestions for coping. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a tablet-based application, high school donors (49.4% female) answered a question regarding their fear of having blood drawn. Those who reported fear were randomly assigned to either a control (n = 930) or an intervention (n = 911) group. Donors in the control group rated their confidence in dealing with their fear and then donated as usual. Donors in the intervention group received a brief audiovisual presentation on coping strategies, rated their confidence, and then donated as usual. RESULTS: A higher proportion of fearful versus nonfearful donors experienced a vasovagal reaction, even after controlling for other demographic and health predictors (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.655-3.185, p < 0.001). Fearful donors who received the intervention reported greater confidence than controls, but the proportion of vasovagal reactions did not differ significantly between the intervention (6.1%) and control (6.8%) groups. CONCLUSION: Although the current tablet-based intervention may have some psychological benefit in that it was associated with greater donor confidence, the observed effect was small and did not translate into a lower risk for vasovagal reactions. However, greater confidence among young donors may lead to an increased willingness to donate again-a potential outcome that we will revisit among these donors as part of a planned 2-year follow-up.

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus in United States blood donations, 2015 to 2019: The Transfusion-Transmissible Infections Monitoring System (TTIMS).

BACKGROUND: The Transfusion-Transmissible Infections Monitoring System (TTIMS) combines data from four US blood collection organizations including approximately 60% of all donations to monitor demographic and temporal trends in infectious disease markers and policy impacts. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) consensus-positive definitions combined serology and nucleic acid testing results. These along with donor and donation characteristics were assembled into a single data set. Overall donation prevalence and demographic subsets were compared pre- and post-implementation of the 2015 change in men who have sex with men (MSM) deferral policy, among other prevalence comparisons. RESULTS: From October 2015 to September 2019, there were 712 HIV-, 1735 HBV-, and 5217 HCV-positive samples identified from approximately 27.5 million donations (>9.4 million donors). Prevalences per 100 000 donations were 2.6 (HIV), 6.3 (HBV), and 19.0 (HCV), and the highest for all three agents were in donations from first-time male donors. Two slight but significant increases in HIV prevalence were observed, both for comparisons of Year 1 (pre-MSM policy change) versus Year 4 (post-MSM policy change) for first-time males and first-time females; in contrast, similar comparisons demonstrated decreases in HCV prevalence (all donors and general trends for males and females). Except for HIV, prevalence increased with age; for all agents, prevalence was markedly higher in the south. CONCLUSIONS: No major trends were observed over 4 years covering the MSM policy change from indefinite to a 12-month deferral, but ongoing monitoring is warranted. Demographic trends are consistent with those observed in other donor studies and community trends.

Recently acquired infection among HIV-seropositive donors in the US from 2010-2018.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of transfusion-transmissible infections in the blood supply is essential for blood safety, as the donor population is not static, and changes in policy, donor behavior, or other factors could increase the risk of recipient infection. We assessed patterns of recently acquired HIV infection in US blood donors, including before and after the implementation of the 12-month deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A large convenience sample of donations from donors testing HIV-1 nucleic acid testing (NAT) and serology-reactive were further tested with the Sedia HIV-1 Limiting Antigen enzyme immunoassay. Samples were analyzed across available demographic and donation data to provide an assessment of recently acquired HIV infection in US blood donors from 2010 to 2018. RESULTS: Overall, 317 of 1154 (27.5%; 95% confidence interval, 24.9%-30.1%) donations from HIV NAT and serology-reactive donors had recently acquired HIV infection. There was no evidence of change in the percentages of recent HIV infection by year over the study period, either in all donors or in male donors, including after the MSM policy change. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, donors aged 24 years or younger were over 2.7 times more likely and repeat donors 2.2 times more likely to have recently acquired HIV infection compared to donors aged 55 years or older and first-time donors, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patterns of recently acquired HIV infection varied by demographics but not over time. These findings suggest no impact of the MSM policy change on recently acquired HIV infection in US blood donors.