Response to postdonation counseling is still a challenge in voluntary blood donation: A survey from tertiary care blood center

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusion carries the risk of transmission of several infectious agents. The latest method for blood screening such as nucleic acid testing is not affordable in developing countries. Hence, the importance of pre- and postdonation counseling for transfusion transmission infections is paramount. Aim: The study was aimed to find response to postdonation counseling for reactive markers among the voluntary blood donors donating in blood bank. Materials and Methods: This 2-year study was conducted from May 2015 to June 2017. Transfusion-transmitted infections' testing was performed by routine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The initial human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reactive donors who return back to the blood bank were confidentially counseled and referred to the Integrated Counseling Cum Testing Centre. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) reactive donors were referred to General Medicine Department for confirmation by qualitative polymerase chain reaction and follow-up. Venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) reactive donors were referred to sexually transmitted infections clinic. Results: During the survey, 17,306 units of blood were collected. Among which 7 were reactive for HIV, 117 were reactive for HBsAg, 10 were reactive for HCV, and 101 were reactive for VDRL. Out of 235 donors who were reactive and called for counseling postdonation, only 28.94% responded.

Keywords

• Hepatitis B surface antigen
• hepatitis C virus
• human immunodeficiency virus
• postdonation counseling
• venereal disease research laboratory