Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Blood safety and the reduction of the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections such as hepatitis B in the window period are of importance. Blood donors with decreased risk of transfusion-transmitted infections are the best candidates for safe blood products to be ensured.

 Materials and Methods

 In this descriptive study, 8468 donors who were refferred to Hamedan Blood Transfusion Center were examined and HBsAg results were compared through ElISA method. The results were analysed by SPSS and Chi-square tests.

 Results

 Out of 8468 donors, 2664 (31.5%) were first-time, 2864 (33.8%) regular and 2940 (34.7%) repeat donors. 7786 were male (91.9%) and 682 female (8.1%). The highest rates of positive HBsAg (40 cases) were attributed to first-time donors. Positive HBsAg was not found in regular blood donors.

 Conclusions

 The probability of regular blood donors being infected with transfusion-transmitted infections considerably decreased due to continuous educational programs fostered by blood transfusion centers moreover, complete screening tests are conducted in each donation attempt.

 �

 Key words: Blood donor, Hepatitis B, ELISA