Scientific Journal of

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Blood transfusion organizations screen blood donors by conducting interviews and serological tests to ensure blood safety. This study was conducted to study donor deferral, blood-borne infections, and related variables in Tehran Blood Transfusion Center (TBTC) during an 8- month period in 2003.

  

 Materials and Methods

 In this cross-sectional study, 34823 volunteer blood donors were selected randomly from all clients of Tehran Blood Transfusion Center over a period of 8 months (from June 2003 to January 2004). The prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV was studied in 26645 eligible blood donors. Correlation of donor deferral with blood-borne infections, demographic (gender, age, marital status, job, educational level) traits and donation-related variables (regular donation) was studied.

 

 Results

 Deferral rate was 22.5% in the study period. Risk of blood transfusion transmitted diseases, disease/ exposure, medication, and other factors leading to blood deferral came out to happen in 43.36%, 34.02%, 13.91% and 15.42% of cases respectively. The age range less than 40, female gender, single status, low level education, non-regular donation and some job categories correlated with lower deferral rate. The prevalence rates of HBV, HCV and HIV were 0.6%, 0.2%, and 0.003%, respectively. Higher prevalence of HBV was significantly correlated with the age range over 40 years old (p=0.000), lower educational levels (p=0.002), and married status (p=0.001). HCV was not significantly correlated with any of these variables (p>0.05).

  

 Conclusions

 This study highlights that the recruitment of males, those with age range below 40, singles, those with higher educational level, and regular donors in Tehran will increase the supply of blood components. Moreover, recruitment of females, those with age range below 40, those with higher educational levels, and regular donors will provide safer blood products. Such studies are recommended for all blood transfusion centers in all provinces of Iran.

  

 Key words : Blood donation, Donor deferral, Cause of deferral, HBV, HCV, HIV

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

  Distinguishing two common hypochromic microcytic anemias (i.e. iron deficiency anemia and minor thalassemia) needs expensive laboratory tests not readily available everywhere. A number of indices derived from original cell counter parameters were tried to screen patients these indices are compared in this study.

  

 Materials and Methods

  Four indices of England, Mentzer, Shine and MDHL were calculated for 110 cases of known thalassemia minors and 61 iron deficients. The best cut-off point for each index was selected by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis reaching the highest sensitivity to separate thalassemics from iron deficients. Sensitivity and specificity of indices were compared.�

 

 Results

  Mentzer’s index(sensitivity:90.9, specificity:80.3) had the best results.

 

 Conclusions

  It seems Mentzer’s index can be used widely to screen hypochromic microcytic anemic patients. Tests like hemoglobin electrophoresis, genetic studies, serum iron, TIBC and ferritin measurement should be reserved for selected patients in refferal centers. In this way we reduce public health costs significantly.

  

 Key words : Differential diagnosis, Minor thalassemia, Iron deficiency

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Abstract Background and Objectives Careful donor selection is necessary for blood safety to raise given the window period of serologic tests. Recognizing differences in infectivity of various groups helps recruitment and retention of best blood donors. Materials and Methods In a cross-sectional study, records of all volunteers from 2006 to 2009 in South Khorasan were reviewed. Confirmed cases of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV 1/2, and HTLV I/II were analyzed by SPSS 17.0 using t-test and chi-square to estimate prevalence rates and show the differences moreover, the findings were compared against national and regional data on infectious rates among general population. Results Out of 52886 voluntary blood donors and 42652 donations, the prevalence rates of confirmed hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HTLV infections were calculated to be 0.492%, 0.030%, and 0.042%, respectively. The prevalence trends revealed no differences between genders but infections were more prevalent in the first-time, married, and low educated donors. That was also more prevalent among donors referring to mobile blood drives. Conclusions The present study reveals that efforts for recruitment of educated volunteers and expansion of permanent blood donation centers can provide a safer situation for blood donation and achieve safer blood via doing careful consultations and performing appropriate screening tests. Key words: Hepatitis viruses, AIDS, HTLV viruses, Blood Donors, Prevalence, Epidemiology