Haemovigilance survey and screening strategy for arthropod-borne viruses in blood donors from Argentina.

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) count among emerging infections, which represent a major challenge for transfusion safety worldwide. To assess the risk of arboviruses-transmission by transfusion (ATT), we performed a survey to evaluate the potential threat for transfusion safety. Samples were retrospectively and randomly collected from donors who donated during the peak of dengue incidence in Cordoba (years: 2016 and 2019-2022). A cost-efficient strategy for molecular screening was implemented with a nucleic acid test (NAT) configured with Flavivirus and Alphavirus-universal degenerated primers targeting conserved gene regions. Besides, we evaluated the neutralizing antibody (NAb) prevalence by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). A total of 1438 samples were collected. Among the NAT-screened samples, one resulted positive for Flavivirus detection. Subsequent sequencing of the PCR product revealed Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV) infection (GeneBank accession number OR236721). NAb prevalence was 2.95% for anti-Dengue, 9.94% anti-SLEV, 1.09% anti-West Nile Virus, and 0% anti-Chikungunya. One of the NAb-positive samples also resulted positive for IgM against SLEV but negative by ARN detection. This is the first haemovigilance study developed in Argentina that evaluates the potential risk of ATT and the first research to determine the prevalence of NAb against Flavivirus through PNRT to avoid possible cross-reactions between Ab against Flavivirus. Herein, the finding of one SLEV-viremic donor and the detection of anti-SLEV IgM in a different donor demonstrated a potential threat for transfusion safety and emphasized the need for increased vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety of blood supplies.

Detection of unreported usage of the antiretroviral drug lamivudine in two blood donors.

BACKGROUND: Unreported HIV antiretroviral (ARV) drug usage by blood donors compromises the ability to detect evidence of HIV infection in blood screening tests and represents a risk for blood transfusion safety. Our objective was to determine the frequency of undeclared ARV drug use by blood donors with altered HIV markers. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of donations that were tested for HIV antibody (ab), antigen (ag), and RNA by chemiluminescent immunoassay and nucleic acid screening tests. Positive samples were retested and were subjected to ARV drug testing by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Of 345,252 blood donations, 361 (0.1%) were positive on initial testing. Samples from 296 (81.9%) of these donations were available for further analysis. The presence of HIV ab/ag and/or RNA was confirmed in 83 (28.0%) of these samples. All 296 bloods were subjected to ARV testing. The ARV drug lamivudine, at 11.3 and 6.7 ng/mL, was detected in 2 of 83 (2.4%) donations that were HIV positive. Other drugs were not detected. CONCLUSION: Unreported ARV usage was identified in two candidates for blood donation. More intensive efforts to educate donors about disclosure and to investigate the extent of this phenomenon in Brazil are needed.

Transfusion-Acquired HIV: History, Evolution of Screening Tests, and Current Challenges of Unreported Antiretroviral Drug Use in Brazil.

Prevention of HIV acquisition by blood transfusion from its emergence to the present day is reviewed, and current challenges are delineated. The experience of Fundação Pró-Sangue/Hemocentro de São Paulo, Brazil, is highlighted in the quest for improvements in blood safety and the evolution of increasingly sensitive and specific screening tests. Concerns and establishing stringent criteria in the screening of potential blood donors are emphasized, and the current criteria for identifying and deferring candidates at high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases are summarized. Future challenges relate to the identification of donors with unreported use of antiretroviral drugs for prophylaxis against possible HIV exposure or for treatment of an HIV infection whose viral expression is undetectable by current analyses. There is a need to better understand the motivation of HIV-exposed donors and to educate them about the risk of transfusion-mediated HIV transmission despite having low or undetectable viral loads. In situations in which traditional HIV RNA or antibody detection assays remain negative, more sensitive analyses are needed to identify potential donors at risk for HIV transmission.

Influence of unreported HIV prophylaxis on the kinetics of post-blood donation HIV seroconversion.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, of 110,000 blood donors screened for HIV exposure two individuals were identified who were viral RNA-positive but seronegative. One of the donors, borderline negative in a pooled screening test for HIV RNA, utilized antiretroviral drugs as post-exposure, pre-donation prophylaxis. The kinetics of subsequent HIV seropositivity in both donors are described. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Both donors were recalled and interviewed, and blood was obtained at intervals for HIV antibodies and RNA testing. RESULTS: One donor used antiretroviral prophylaxis for 30 days due to a relationship with an HIV-positive partner. In follow-up samples, seroconversion was noted at 70 days, and viral RNA was detected at 105 days, after blood donation. In contrast, the other donor seroconverted in <25 days and the appearance and titer of HIV RNA was in accordance with the typical pre-seroconversion window. CONCLUSION: The use of anti-viral prophylaxis by blood donors in the acute phase of HIV infection delays seroconversion. A 6-month deferral in blood donation after HIV prophylaxis, as currently recommended in Brazil, would have been sufficient in this case to mitigate the risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV. Ultimately, improvement in donor compliance with selection procedures for blood donation is needed to optimize blood safety.

HIV primary drug resistance and associated HIV risk factors among HIV positive blood donors in Brazil from 2007 to 2017.

BACKGROUND: Acquisition of HIV primary drug resistant (PDR) infection can lead to poor virologic and clinical outcomes in individuals and hampers public health efforts in epidemic control. Monitoring PDR in HIV-positive blood donors can be used to inform nationwide trends in the spread of drug-resistant HIV strains. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using genetic sequence analysis to assess HIV pol sequences, PDR, and risk factors for infection using audio computer-assisted structured interviews in four large blood centers in Brazil from 2007 to 2017. RESULTS: Of 716 HIV-positive blood donors, 504 (70.4%) were successfully sequenced. HIV clade B (73.2%) was the most prevalent subtype, followed by a mix of non-B (21.2%) sub-types. A twofold increase (from 4% to 8%) in recombinants prevalence was observed during the study period. Sixty-four (12.7%) presented PDR. Overall, HIV PDR prevalence remained stable during the study period. Drug resistance mutations for non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were found in 39 (7.7%) donors, while for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were found in 26 (5.1%), and for protease inhibitors in 24 (4.8%) of HIV-infected donors. We did not find statistically significant differences in demographics, behavioural risk factors, or HIV genotypes when comparing volunteers with and without PDR. CONCLUSION: The HIV PDR rate among donors remained stable during the study period. HIV-positive blood donors can be an informative population to monitor primary HIV resistance and ultimately may help to increase the knowledge and awareness of HIV risk factors and PDR.

Em busca do melhor aproveitamento de bolsas de concentrado de hemácia de baixo volume / In search of the best use of bags low-volume red blood cells concentrate

RESUMO: Introdução: A produção de bolsas de sangue total com volume inferior ao esperado é prevista na Portaria de Consolidação no 05/2017, porém, a sua dispensação hoje leva em consideração apenas o teor de hemoglobinas e hematócrito da bolsa. Objetivo: Determinar, a partir dos parâmetros técnicos brasileiros existentes, os critérios para o melhor aproveitamento para bolsas de concentrados de hemácias de baixo volume (CHBV) produzidas na Fundação HEMOPA. Material e métodos: Foram analisados volume, teor de hemoglobina e hematócrito de 525 bolsas de CHBV provenientes de bolsas duplas sem adição de conservante; triplas convencional com adição de SAG-M (soro fisiológico, adenina, glicose e manitol); triplas top and bottom (TAB) com adição de SAG-M; e quádruplas TAB com filtro "in line" e adição de SAG-M. Resultados: Foi observado que 71,43% (375/525) das bolsas de CHBV, independente do tipo da bolsa, apresentavam-se em conformidade para hematócrito e teor de hemoglobina em relação à legislação. As bolsas duplas e triplas convencionais apresentaram os maiores valores de teor de hemoglobina. Observou-se ainda que as bolsas de sangue total coletadas com volumes entre 350 e 404 ml geraram bolsas de CHBV com os menores índices de descarte. O maior descarte das bolsas de CHBV ocorreu quando o volume final ≤250 mL e hemoglobina ≤ 16 g/dL. Conclusão: Observou-se que o melhor aproveitamento das bolsas de CHBV ocorreu quando as bolsas de sangue total se encontravam com volumes entre 350 e 404 mL e as bolsas de CHBV apresentavam volume final ≥ 250 mL e hemoglobina ≥ 16g/dL.(AU)

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The production of whole blood bags with a lower volume than expected is approved in the Consolidation Ordinance number 05/2017; however, its dispensation today takes into account only the hemoglobin and hematocrit content of the bag. Objective: From the existing Brazilian technical parameters, determine the criteria for the best clinical use for low-volume red cell concentrate (LVRCC) bags produced at the HEMOPA Foundation. Material and methods: We analyzed volume, hemoglobin content, and hematocrit of 525 LVRCC bags from double bags without addition of preservative; conventional triple bags with the addition of SAG-M (saline, adenine, glucose, and mannitol); triples bags top and bottom (TAB) with the addition of SAG-M, and quadruple bags TAB with "in line" filter and the addition of SAG-M. Results: It was observed that 71.43% (375/525) of bags of LVRCC, regardless of bag type, were in conformance with hematocrit and hemoglobin content concerning Brazilian legislation. With the double and conventional triple bags, they had the highest values of hemoglobin content. It was also observed that the bags of whole blood collected with volumes between 350 and 404 mL generated LVRCC bags with the lowest rate of discard. The greatest discard of LVRCC bags occurred when the final volume ≤ 250 mL and hemoglobin ≤ 16 g/dL. Conclusion: It was observed that the best use of LVRCC bags occurred when the whole blood bags were between 350 and 404 mL and the LVRCC bags had a final volume ≥ 250 mL and hemoglobin ≥ 16 g/dL. (AU)

Blood Utilization and Transfusion Reactions in Pediatric Patients Transfused with Conventional or Pathogen Reduced Platelets.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of a Food and Drug Administration-approved pathogen-reduced platelet (PLT) product in children, as ongoing questions regarding their use in this population remain. STUDY DESIGN: We report findings from a quality assurance review of PLT utilization, associated red blood cell transfusion trends, and short-term safety of conventional vs pathogen-reduced PLTs over a 21-month period while transitioning from conventional to pathogen-reduced PLTs at a large, tertiary care hospital. We assessed utilization in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients, infants 0-1 year not in the NICU, and children age 1-18 years (PED). RESULTS: In the 48 hours after an index conventional or pathogen-reduced platelet transfusion, respectively, NICU patients received 1.0 ± 1.4 (n = 91 transfusions) compared with 1.2 ± 1.3 (n = 145) additional platelet doses (P = .29); infants 0-1 year not in the NICU received 2.8 ± 3.0 (n = 125) vs 2.6 ± 2.6 (n = 254) additional platelet doses (P = .57); and PEDs received 0.9 ± 1.6 (n = 644) vs 1.4 ± 2.2 (n = 673) additional doses (P < .001). Time to subsequent transfusion and red cell utilization were similar in every group (P > .05). The number and type of transfusion reactions did not significantly vary based on PLT type and no rashes were reported in NICU patients receiving phototherapy and pathogen-reduced PLTs. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional and pathogen-reduced PLTs had similar utilization patterns in our pediatric populations. A small, but statistically significant, increase in transfusions was noted following pathogen-reduced PLT transfusion in PED patients, but not in other groups. Red cell utilization and transfusion reactions were similar for both products in all age groups.

Avaliação da correlação de sorologia e teste de ácido nucleico em doadores de sangue reagentes para o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana / Evaluation of the correlation of serology and nucleic acid testing in Anti-HIV reagent blood donors

Introdução: As transfusões sanguíneas começaram a ser realizadas no Brasil no século XX como forma de tratamento terapêutico. Com a descoberta do vírus HIV, a segurança do sangue doado passou a ser prioritária. Assim, candidatos à doação de sangue são submetidos a uma triagem clínica e sorológica, além do teste de ácido nucleico (NAT), obrigatório desde 2014 nos bancos de sangue. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo através da análise de dados dos doadores de sangue de um Serviço de Hemoterapia em Porto Alegre/RS, nos anos de 2015 a 2017. Avaliando resultados sorológicos e da técnica NAT para HIV. Resultados: Das 28.625 amostras de usuários do serviço de hemoterapia, 41 (0,14%) foram reagentes para o HIV e 21 (0,07%) foram reagente para o teste NAT. Estes dados demonstram uma reatividade duas vezes maior nas amostras de bolsas testadas sorologicamente quando comparadas com a metodologia utilizada no NAT. Conclusão: O avanço científico e tecnológico tem auxiliado no que se refere a redução dos riscos de transmissão de doenças infecto-contagiosa por transfusão sanguínea. O teste NAT teve um acréscimo significativo na pesquisa dos vírus para a segurança na liberação de hemocompoentes. O teste foi introduzido nas rotinas de banco de sangue no intuito de reduzir o período de janela imunológica quando comparado aos testes sorológicos, fato este não observado nos anos de coleta de dados no Serviço de Hemoterapia referido neste estudo. (AU)

Introduction: Blood transfusions began to be performed in Brazil in the twentieth century as a form of therapeutic treatment. With the discovery of the HIV, the safety of donated blood became a priority. Therefore, candidates for blood donation are subjected to clinical and serological screening, in addition to the nucleic acid test (NAT), which has been mandatory since 2014 in blood banks. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using data from blood donors at one hemotherapy service in Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul, from 2015 to 2017. Serological and NAT results for HIV were evaluated. Results: Of the 28,625 samples of users of the hemotherapy service, 41 (0.14%) were HIV reagents and 21 (0.07%) had a reagent result for the NAT test. These data demonstrate a two-fold higher reactivity in the samples of serologically tested units as compared to the methodology used in NAT. Conclusions: Studies with different time periods are needed to further explain this association. The NAT test had a significant increase in the search for viruses and the safety in the release of blood components. The test was introduced in the blood bank routines in order to reduce the window period when compared to serological tests, a fact that was not observed in the years of data collection in the hemotherapy service referred to in this study. (AU)

Segurança e intervenção: a assistência de enfermagem em hemotransfusão / Safety and intervention: nursing assistance in blood transfusion / Seguridad e intervención: la asistencia de enfermería en Hemotransfusion

O estudo nasceu do campo de trabalho com a necessidade de orientação e monitoramento da prática hemoterapia em enfermagem. Objetivo Geral: Elaborar um instrumento como uma lista de verificação para orientar a assistência de enfermagem ao cliente submetido à hemotransfusão. Traçamos como objetivos específicos: Identificar a função da enfermeira que atua na Agência Transfusional; Analisar a conformidade dos conhecimentos da equipe de enfermagem sobre intervenções assistenciais ao cliente em hemoterapia e sobre Hemovigilância; Aprimorar a Lista de Verificação (Checklist) Seguro para a Assistência de Enfermagem ao Cliente Receptor de Hemocomponentes (Produto deste estudo) e Testar o produto. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, exploratório e descritivo cujo campo de pesquisa foi um hospital universitário público, no estado do Rio de Janeiro, desenvolvido segundo a metodologia administrativa proposta por Cury (2005): Fase I Diagnóstico da função da enfermeira na Agência Transfusional e o conhecimento específico da equipe de enfermagem. Fase II ­ Elaboração da Lista de Verificação Segura para o Cliente Submetido à Hemotransfusão. Fase III - Teste da Lista de Verificação. Os participantes foram 52 enfermeiros e 79 técnicos de enfermagem atuantes na assistência a clientes submetidos à hemotransfusões. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da UNIRIO sob o nº 463207, CAAE: 52779315.7.0000.5285. Na fase diagnostica ocorrida em maio de 2016, foi identificada a função da enfermeira com base na legislação e elaborados dois fluxogramas de trabalho e foi aplicado o teste de Conhecimento a 131 profissionais. As respostas foram codificadas e analisadas pelo sistema SPSS 21,0 e mostraram que apenas 34,35% dos participantes obtiveram acertos acima de 70%, o que reforça a necessidade de treinamentos e implementação de um instrumento assistencial específico. Fase 2 ­ realizada em junho de 2016. Os resultados da fase diagnóstica permitiram as adequações à Lista de Verificação (Checklist) Seguro para a Assistência de Enfermagem ao Cliente Receptor de Hemocomponentes já existente e em uso no hospital e desenvolvido treinamentos voltados para os 131 profissionais de enfermagem. Na terceira fase foi realizada a testagem da Lista de Verificação (Checklist) Segura para a Assistência de Enfermagem ao Cliente Receptor de Hemocomponente corrigida de acordo com as sugestões dos profissionais de enfermagem que utilizaram o impresso proposto em 40 quarenta transfusões. Conclui-se que é de suma importância ter o enfermeiro na agência transfusional com atuação em todo o processo hemoterápico, visto que o sangue é um transplante de órgão que necessita de cuidados intensivos para garantir a segurança do cliente. O estudo respondeu às questões de pesquisa, e evidenciou que a lista de verificação aproxima a assistência e a evolução de enfermagem na transfusão de hemocomponente de uma sistematização, que reduz riscos e danos ao cliente e possibilita a qualidade assistencial de enfermagem

The study was born from the field of work with the need for guidance and monitoring of hemotherapy practice in nursing. General Objective: To devise an instrument such as a checklist to guide nursing care to the transfused client. We outline specific objectives: Identify the role of the nurse working in the Transfusional Agency; To analyze the conformity of the knowledge of the nursing team about healthcare interventions to the client in hemotherapy and on hemovigilance; Improve the Safe Check List for the Hemotransferred Customer. (Product of this study) and Test the product. This is a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study whose field of research was a public university hospital, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, developed according to the administrative methodology proposed by Cury (2005): Phase I- Diagnosis of the nurse's role in the Transfusional Agency and the specific knowledge of the nursing team. Phase II - Elaboration of the Safe Check List for the Hemotransfusion Customer. Phase III - Checklist Test. The participants were 52 nurses and 79 nursing technicians working in the care of clients submitted to blood transfusion. The project was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of UNIRIO under nº 463207, CAAE: 52779315.7.0000.5285. In the diagnostic phase that occurred in May 2016, the nurse's role was identified based on legislation and two workflows were elaborated and the Knowledge test was applied to 131 professionals. The responses were coded and analyzed by the SPSS 21.0 system and showed that only 34.35% of the participants obtained scores above 70%, which reinforces the need for training and implementation of a specific care instrument. Phase 2 - carried out in June 2016. The results of the diagnostic phase allowed for adjustments to the existing Checklist for the Client submitted to Hemotransfusion and in use in the hospital and developed training aimed at the 131 nursing professionals. In the third phase, the testing of the Safe Verification List for the Client submitted to Hemotransfusion was performed, corrected according to the suggestions of the nursing professionals who used the proposed form in 40 transfusions. It is concluded that it is of paramount importance to have the nurse in the transfusional agency with a role in the entire hemotherapy process, since blood is an organ transplant that requires intensive care to ensure client safety. The study answered the research questions and showed that the checklist approximates nursing care and evolution in the transfusion of blood components of a systematization, which reduces risks and damages to the client and enables nursing care quality

El estudio nació del campo de trabajo con la necesidad de orientación y monitoreo de la práctica hemoterapia en enfermería. Objetivo General: Elaborar un instrumento como una lista de verificación para orientar la asistencia de enfermería al cliente sometido a la hemotransfusión. Trazamos como objetivos específicos: Identificar la función de la enfermera que actúa en la Agencia Transfusional; Analizar la conformidad de los conocimientos del equipo de enfermería sobre intervenciones asistenciales al cliente en hemoterapia y sobre Hemovigilancia; Mejorar la Lista de Verificación (Checklist) Seguro para la Asistencia de Enfermería al Cliente Receptor de Hemocomponentes (Producto de este estudio) y Probar el producto. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, exploratorio y descriptivo cuyo campo de investigación fue un hospital universitario público, en el estado de Río de Janeiro, desarrollado según la metodología administrativa propuesta por Cury (2005): Fase I - Diagnóstico de la función de la enfermera en la Agencia Transfusional y el conocimiento específico del equipo de enfermería. Fase II - Elaboración de la Lista de Verificación Segura para el Cliente Sometido a la Hemotransfusión. Fase III - Prueba de la Lista de Verificación. Los participantes fueron 52 enfermeros y 79 técnicos de enfermería actuantes en la asistencia a clientes sometidos a las hemotransfusiones. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética e Investigación de UNIRIO bajo el nº 463207, CAAE: 52779315.7.0000.5285. La fase diagnóstica ocurrió en mayo de 2016, fue identificada como una función de enfermería con base en la legislación y elaborado dos fundamentos de trabajo y fue aplicada en el ensayo de Conhecimento a 131 profesionales. Las respuestas fueron codificadas y analizadas por el sistema SPSS 21,0 y muestran que sólo 34,35% de los participantes obtiveram acertos superiores a 70%, que requieren una formación básica y una implementación del instrumento assistencial específico. Fase 2 - realizada en junio de 2016. Resultados de la fase diagnóstica permitida como adecuaciones a la Lista de Verificación (Lista de Verificación) Seguro para una Asistencia de Enfermería al Cliente Receptor de Hemocomponentes ya existente en el uso no hospital y desarrolló entrenamientos voltios para los 131 profesionales De enfermagem Em la fase anterior se realizó una prueba de la Lista de Verificación (Lista de comprobación) Segura para una Asistencia de Enfermería en el Receptor de Hemocomponente. Conclui-se que es de suma importancia para el enfermo en la agencia de transfusión en todo el proceso de hemoterápico, en el cuidado de la salud del paciente. El estudio responde a las preguntas de investigación y muestra que una lista de casos se aproxima a un estudio y una evolución de la enfermería en una transfusión de hemocomponente de una sistematización, que reduce lós riesgos y los daños al cliente y posibilita una calidad asistencial de enfermería

Prevalence of HIV infection, syphilis, and syphilis/HIV coinfection in blood donors from a blood bank of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil

Introduction: Hemotherapy consists of therapeutic treatments performed through blood transfusion. Clinical and serological screening of donors is an essential strategy to avoid transmission of infectious agents in blood transfusion. The objective of this study is to assess the seroprevalence of HIV infection, syphilis and syphilis/HIV coinfection in blood donors from a blood bank in Porto Alegre from 2014 to 2016. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all blood donors registered on a software for managing hemotherapy services (Hemodot) of the Blood Bank in the Marques Pereira Laboratory, Porto Alegre / RS, from 2014 to 2016. Results: Of the 28,173 users of the hemotherapy service during the study period, 198 (0.70%) were positive for syphilis, HIV infection, or syphilis/HIV co infection. The prevalence of positive results for syphilis was 0.3%, 0.57% and 0.70% in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively, and for HIV infection was 0.18%, 0.14%, and 0.16% for the same period. However, the prevalence of syphilis/HIV coinfection was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The prevalence of syphilis increased significantly from 2014 to 2016. Hovever, this did not occur with HIV infection or with coinfection. This finding may reflect the requirement of the nucleic acid technique (NAT) for HIV screening in blood banks, a procedure that has been increasing transfusion safety and reducing the window period. Further studies may shed new light on the combined use of serological tests and NAT assays in blood banks to diagnose HIV cases and syphilis/HIV coinfection (AU)

Contribution of the Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS) to research on blood transfusion safety in Brazil.

The Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS) program was established in the United States in 1989 with the purpose of increasing blood transfusion safety in the context of the HIV/AIDS and human T-lymphotropic virus epidemics. REDS and its successor, REDS-II were at first conducted in the US, then expanded in 2006 to include international partnerships with Brazil and China. In 2011, a third wave of REDS renamed the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study-III (REDS-III) was launched. This seven-year research program focuses on both blood banking and transfusion medicine research in the United States of America, Brazil, China, and South Africa. The main goal of the international programs is to reduce and prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other known and emerging infectious agents through transfusion, and to address research questions aimed at understanding global issues related to the availability of safe blood. This article describes the contribution of REDS-II to transfusion safety in Brazil. Articles published from 2010 to 2013 are summarized, including database analyses to characterize blood donors, deferral rates, and prevalence, incidence and residual risk of the main blood-borne infections. Specific studies were developed to understand donor motivation, the impact of the deferral questions, risk factors and molecular surveillance among HIV-positive donors, and the natural history of Chagas disease. The purpose of this review is to disseminate the acquired knowledge and briefly summarize the findings of the REDS-II studies conducted in Brazil as well as to introduce the scope of the REDS-III program that is now in progress and will continue through 2018.

Contribution of the Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS) to research on blood transfusion safety in Brazil

The Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS) program was established in the United States in 1989 with the purpose of increasing blood transfusion safety in the context of the HIV/AIDS and human T-lymphotropic virus epidemics. REDS and its successor, REDS-II were at first conducted in the US, then expanded in 2006 to include international partnerships with Brazil and China. In 2011, a third wave of REDS renamed the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study-III (REDS-III) was launched. This seven-year research program focuses on both blood banking and transfusion medicine research in the United States of America, Brazil, China, and South Africa. The main goal of the international programs is to reduce and prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other known and emerging infectious agents through transfusion, and to address research questions aimed at understanding global issues related to the availability of safe blood. This article describes the contribution of REDS-II to transfusion safety in Brazil. Articles published from 2010 to 2013 are summarized, including database analyses to characterize blood donors, deferral rates, and prevalence, incidence and residual risk of the main blood-borne infections. Specific studies were developed to understand donor motivation, the impact of the deferral questions, risk factors and molecular surveillance among HIV-positive donors, and the natural history of Chagas disease. The purpose of this review is to disseminate the acquired knowledge and briefly summarize the findings of the REDS-II studies conducted in Brazil as well as to introduce the scope of the REDS-III program that is now in progress and will continue through 2018.

La hemovigilancia de las reacciones adversas a la donación de sangre / Hemovigilance of adverse reactions to blood donation

Introducción: en la provincia de Matanzas, de enero del 2003 a diciembre de 2011, se desarrolló un programa de hemovigilancia para incrementar la seguridad de la cadena transfusional. Objetivo: analizar los efectos de este programa sobre las reacciones adversas en los donantes de sangre. Métodos: Se identificó el estado de la notificación de los eventos adversos de la donación en el año 2002, etapa previa al programa. Se mejoró el servicio de donaciones con la revisión de los procederes y las buenas prácticas; a la metodología para la selección del donante se incorporaron los datos geográficos epidemiológicos de cada territorio. A partir de 2003, se notificaron las reacciones adversas de la donación mediante un formulario diseñado para ese fin, se analizaron sus causas, se tomaron las medidas preventivas y correctivas pertinentes. Se efectuaron acciones para prevenir estas y mejorar la calidad de la colecta como capacitación y consejería a los donantes. Se organizó un sistema de alerta rápida para detectar y minimizar los riesgos relacionados con la donación y la calidad de la colecta. Resultados: se disminuyó la tasa de reacciones del donante de 10,1 por mil donaciones en 2002 a 1,4 por mil donaciones en 2011. Se eliminaron las reacciones graves y se minimizaron las moderadas. La reacción más frecuente fue la vasovagal leve. Conclusiones: la hemovigilancia es una herramienta eficaz para incrementar la seguridad de los donantes y mejorar la calidad de la colecta de sangre y puede implementarse con escasos recursos(AU)

Introduction: from January 2003 to December 2011 a program of hemovigilance was developed to increase the safety of transfusion in the province of Matanzas. Objective: to analyze the effects of this program on the adverse reactions of blood donors. Methods: adverse reactions to blood donation were identified in 2002 prior to the introduction of the program. The donation service was improved with the revision of procedures and standard practice; epidemiological and geographic data was included in the donor's selection process. From 2003 on, the adverse reactions to donations were notified using a form specially designed; causes were analyzed and prevention and corrective actions were taken. Other proceedings were applied to prevent negative reactions at donation and to improve the quality of blood collection, such as training and advice to donors. A quick alert system was set up to detect and to correct the risks related to donation and the quality of the collection. Results: there was a decrease on the donor's reaction rate from 10, 1 out of 1 000 donations in 2002 to 1,4 out of 1000 in 2011. Severe adverse reactions were eliminated and moderate reactions were minimized. The most frequent was the vasovagal reaction. Conclusions: hemovigilance is an effective tool to increase donors' safety and to improve the quality of blood collection and it can be implemented with scarce resources(AU)

La hemovigilancia de las reacciones adversas a la donación de sangre / Hemovigilance of adverse reactions to blood donation

Introducción: en la provincia de Matanzas, de enero del 2003 a diciembre de 2011, se desarrolló un programa de hemovigilancia para incrementar la seguridad de la cadena transfusional. Objetivo: analizar los efectos de este programa sobre las reacciones adversas en los donantes de sangre. Métodos: Se identificó el estado de la notificación de los eventos adversos de la donación en el año 2002, etapa previa al programa. Se mejoró el servicio de donaciones con la revisión de los procederes y las buenas prácticas; a la metodología para la selección del donante se incorporaron los datos geográficos epidemiológicos de cada territorio. A partir de 2003, se notificaron las reacciones adversas de la donación mediante un formulario diseñado para ese fin, se analizaron sus causas, se tomaron las medidas preventivas y correctivas pertinentes. Se efectuaron acciones para prevenir estas y mejorar la calidad de la colecta como capacitación y consejería a los donantes. Se organizó un sistema de alerta rápida para detectar y minimizar los riesgos relacionados con la donación y la calidad de la colecta. Resultados: se disminuyó la tasa de reacciones del donante de 10,1 por mil donaciones en 2002 a 1,4 por mil donaciones en 2011. Se eliminaron las reacciones graves y se minimizaron las moderadas. La reacción más frecuente fue la vasovagal leve. Conclusiones: la hemovigilancia es una herramienta eficaz para incrementar la seguridad de los donantes y mejorar la calidad de la colecta de sangre y puede implementarse con escasos recursos

Introduction: from January 2003 to December 2011 a program of hemovigilance was developed to increase the safety of transfusion in the province of Matanzas. Objective: to analyze the effects of this program on the adverse reactions of blood donors. Methods: adverse reactions to blood donation were identified in 2002 prior to the introduction of the program. The donation service was improved with the revision of procedures and standard practice; epidemiological and geographic data was included in the donor's selection process. From 2003 on, the adverse reactions to donations were notified using a form specially designed; causes were analyzed and prevention and corrective actions were taken. Other proceedings were applied to prevent negative reactions at donation and to improve the quality of blood collection, such as training and advice to donors. A quick alert system was set up to detect and to correct the risks related to donation and the quality of the collection. Results: there was a decrease on the donor's reaction rate from 10, 1 out of 1 000 donations in 2002 to 1,4 out of 1000 in 2011. Severe adverse reactions were eliminated and moderate reactions were minimized. The most frequent was the vasovagal reaction. Conclusions: hemovigilance is an effective tool to increase donors' safety and to improve the quality of blood collection and it can be implemented with scarce resources

Reacciones transfusionales en el Hospital Docente Provincial “Comandante Faustino Pérez” de la provincia de Matanzas / Transfusion reactions at “Comandante Faustino Pèrez” Provincial University Hospital in the province of Matanzas

A partir del año 2003, en el Hospital Docente Provincial “Comandante Faustino Pérez” se inició el control y análisis de los efectos adversos de la transfusión de sangre, mediante el reporte y estudio de todas las reacciones transfusionales, para conocer su frecuencia, tipo y gravedad, así como su relación con el componente utilizado, los días de extraído y el sexo del receptor. Se reportaron los errores detectados y subsanados antes del proceder. Este estudio se realizó bajo la asesoría y control del Banco de Sangre Provincial “Minerva Duarte”, como parte de la vigilancia sobre los productos sanguíneos y la cadena transfusional, con el objetivo de disminuir los efectos adversos e incrementar la seguridad transfusional. Los datos obtenidos demuestran disminución del número de reacciones adversas, de 52 en el 2002 a 14 en el 2005. Las más frecuentes fueron la febril no hemolítica y las alérgicas; la más grave resultó la contaminación bacteriana. Los errores más frecuentes subsanados antes de la transfusión fueron por equivocación del grupo en la bolsa a transfundir. El componente que más reacciones originó fue el concentrado de hematíes y el sexo femenino fue el que más reacciones presentó. El estudio permitió la adopción de medidas correctivas y preventivas para disminuir las reacciones e incrementar la seguridad transfusional en el centro hospitalario.

From 2003 on, it was started the control and analysis of the adverse effects of blood transfusion at “Comandante Faustino Pérez” Provincial University Hospital by the report and study of all the transfusion reactions in order to know their frequency, type and severity, as well as their relation to the component used, the date of the extraction, and the sex of the recipient. The errors detected and corrected before the procedure were reported. This study was conducted under the counselling and control of “Minerva Duarte” Provincial Blood Bank as part of the vigilance of the blood products and the transfusion chain aimed at reducing the adverse effects and at increasing transfusion safety. The data obtained showed a decrease of the number of adverse reactions from 52, in 2002, to 14, in 2005. The most common reactions were the non-hemolytic febrile reactions and the allergic reactions, whereas the most serious was bacterial contamination. The most frequent amended mistakes before transfusion were those made by the group with the transfusion bag. The packed cells proved to be the component that originated the greatest amount of reactions. Females had more reactions. The study allowed to take corrective and preventive measures to lower the reactions and improve the transfusion safety in the hospital.