Scientific Journal of

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  Abstract

  

 Background and Objectives

  Setting research priorities in the cycle of research management is critical. The limitation in human and financial resources and policy changes are the most significant reasons necessitating research priorities to be set. Research prioritization can materialize and be effective at different levels ranging from macro and national to educational and research levels. To this end, IBTO Research and Education Deputy by this study has embarked on a serious measure in organizing and orientating investigations in IBTO.

  

  Materials and Methods 

  First the necessity of the implementation of the project was elaborated in the Research Council and priorities were set. Then, different procedures were conducted based on the guidelines of COHRED (Council on Health Research for Development) and by use of priority-setting instruments applied in research institutes. At the end, the results were reviewed by the Research Council so that the final priorities were approved of.

 

 Results

 In the present study, out of the whole number of forms distributed for priority-setting, blood centers, headquarter managers and consultants, and the faculty members had respectively a share of 64.28%, 33.33%, and 25.92% in responses. At the process of title collection, more responses were received as compared with the priority setting process. Finally, 99 research titles in 16 domains were approved of as final priorities by the IBTO Research Center.

  

 Conclusions

 Priority-setting was conducted through the method recommended by COHRED for the first time in IBTO. In spite of the participation of the out-of-organization beneficiary, research centers, and scientific associations, the highest rate of participation goes to intra-organizational groups. Approved priorities can be implemented by a call for research, the creation of an evaluation system for recommended projects, and survey of approved projects. Thus, the most use can be made of financial and human resources for priority-setting.

  

  

 Key words: Need assessment, Research priority setting, Council on Health Research for Development

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Hemophilia B is an inherited recessive X-linked bleeding disorder caused by deficiency or defect of procoagulant factor IX (FIX). The factor IX gene spans 35kb of DNA and comprises of 8 exons. Mutations in the factor IX gene may result in deficient or defective coagulation factor IX causing the bleeding tendency known as hemophilia B. The aim of this study was to identify the causative mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation for mutations in some known patients with hemophilia B in Isfahan province.

 

 Materials and Methods

 After informed consent was obtained, genomic DNAs of 24 hemophilia B patients referred to Omid hospital were extracted according to standard protocols. PCR amplification and single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) on nondenaturing polyacrylamid gel were performed separately on each sample for eight exons and exon-intron boundaries and promoter. The results of SSCP were compared to normal control and sequencing was performed for those with different migration patterns.

 

 Results

 The sequencing results showed 70.8% missense mutation, 16.7% deletion, 8.3% nonsense mutation, and 4.2% insertion. Many of the mutations had occurred in exon 8 it came out to be similar to haemophilia B mutation database. Malmo polymorphism (Ala 148 Thr) was found in one family. Four novel mutations not previously reported in the database were also found.

 

 Conclusions

 This study confirms the marked heterogeneity of factor IX mutations in the population. The results could be used to develop a national database and offer genetic counselling to families.

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 Key words : Hemophilia B, SSCP, Mutation�

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Transfusion medicine has a particular role as a multipurpose specialty. The risk of transfusion transmitted diseases (TTDs) in blood transfusion is one of the challenges to centers where blood transfusion is practiced. Since blood is only prepared from human as the source material, attention to TTDs in blood donor population is of importance their prevalence rates may indicate of blood safety and infection prevalence in society.

 

 Materials and Methods

 In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 49820 recruited blood donors in Guilan Blood Transfusion Center were examined with census method during 2003-2005. Data of donors including HBsAg, HCVAb, and HIVAb status were extracted from computed profile of primary ELISA screening test. Confirmation tests including neutralization, RIBA and Blot would be performed, if ELISA was positive.

 

 Results

 Among 49820 blood donors after confirmation tests, 225 showed TTDs including HBsAg⁺, HCVAb⁺, and HIVAb⁺. Overall prevalence rates of HBsAg⁺, HCVAb⁺, and HIVAb⁺ were 0.26%, 0.18%, and 0.008%, respectively. The average age of affected subjects was 35.5. 69.3% had donated at blood collection drives, and 77.3% were first-time blood donors.

 

 Conclusions

 TTD prevalence rate in blood donors was 0.4%, much lower than general population. It emphasizes the importance of interviewing and retrieving past medical records as an easy, inexpensive, and reliable screening method for TTDs prevention.

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 Key words : Blood donation, Transfusion transmitted virus, Hepatitis B, HIV�

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Although beta thalassemia is mainly caused by mutations involving single base substitutions and small deletions, there have been reports showing deletions of large regions of beta- globin genes play a similar causing role. The strategy to identify beta thalassemia carriers with known deletions is based on PCR techniques such as Gap PCR. There are however some unknown deletions that can not be detected by the above methods. To overcome this limitation, Real-time PCR and MLPA were developed as two quantitative assays for analysis of beta-globin gene cluster.

 

 Materials and Methods

 The subjects were evaluated in a case-control study. Among individuals referred to genetic laboratories of Pasteur Institute of Iran and Kawsar Genetic Research Center, 40 were suspected of having a large deletion in β-globin gene cluster. The including criteria were hematological findings such as low blood indices (MCV <80 fl and MCH <27 pg), normal HbA2 and raised or normal HbF. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. A Real-time PCR assay was developed using comparative threshold cycle (Ct) method for analysis of gene copy number. In addition, gene dosage was analyzed using MLPA method.

 

 Results

 Real-time PCR results for quantitative analysis of Beta, Delta, G-gamma genes showed the ratio (2^-ΔΔCt) of 0.96 ± 0.18 for normal individuals and 0.58 ± 0.04 for carriers of deletions in beta globin gene cluster. MLPA results showed nearly 50% reduction in the height of the peaks corresponding to regions of deletions.

 

 Conclusions

 MLPA results confirmed the presence of the same deletions detected by Real-time PCR in all of the carrier individuals. It would be ideal to combine these quantitative assays to confirm corresponding results for accurate diagnosis of known and unknown deletions in beta thalassemia carriers.

  

 Key words : beta-Thalassemia, beta-Globins, Gene Deletion

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal disorder of hematopoietic stem cell. We have been doing in-patient stem cell transplant (SCT) in Iran since 1991 however, this is the first time we have decided to embark on out-patient SCT.

 

 Materials and Methods

 In this cohort study, the selected Multiple Myeloma patients received outpatient stem cell transplantation. They were then discharged and followed by an out-patient SCT team including a general physician, a staff nurse and a care giver during the neutropenic period. All data were collected and analyzed using ANOVA test, Caplan mayer curve and SPSS 11.5.

 

 Results

 Forty four patients received in-patient or out-patient autologus SCT. The rates of median hospital stay were 28 (19-54) and 6.5 days (1-8) in in-patient and out-patient groups, respectively. Median home visit by team was 10.5 days. There were not significant differences (p<0.001) between these groups as far as apheresis days, granulocyte colony stimulatig factor (GCSF) dosage as mobilization, number of mono nuclear cell (MNC) or cluster of differentiation (CD)34+ cell parameters are concerned. There was also a significant decrease in total cost of SCT in out-patient group by 70% (p<0.017) including visit cost with 80% decrease (p<0.01), drug cost with 50% (p<0.004), laboratory cost with 70% (p<0.02), and hospital cost with 70% (p<0.04).

 

 Conclusions

 Our results show that out-patient autolgous SCT in multiple myeloma patients is feasible and its complications are manageable. Significant reduction in cost and bed requirement is also inevitable.

  

  Key words : Multiple Myeloma, Stem Cell Transplantation, Apheresis

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  Abstract

 Blood-letting is defined to be the withdrawal of blood from a patient. Considering the mysterious, life-saving, and occassionally miraculous nature of blood during the evolving history of man, civilization, and science, this red liquid being the token of life and death throughout centuries was used as evidence for clinical diagnosis of special diseases or otherwise as definite and soothing treatment of patients. Based on the existing evidence, hijama or blood withdrawal in cultural and religious beliefs and customs of certain tribes has had even a special status in saving man from devil or evil forces. The accessible old documents show the expansion of blood drawing as a known life-saving element and treatment method in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome in different forms including hijama. However, the development of medical sciences, particularly transfusion medicine and blood transfusion sciences, the treatment and preventive role of hijama and other methods like arteriotomy and leech cupping started to get less prominence except for some eastern countries especially Islamic states where hijama is still employed to relieve soul and treat diseases as a tool of preserving traditions. In Iran, considering the available standards based on which potential blood donors with recent hijama experience are defered for one year, it is necessary to raise awareness of all those involved in the field of blood transfusion and the whole community about the history of hijama so as to see how we can better deal with this historical and traditional controversial topic.

  

 Key words : Leeching, Venesection, phlebotomy, Blood letting

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Hemophilia B, Christmas disease, is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by the functional deficiency of blood coagulation factor IX (FIX). The disease is caused by heterogeneous mutations in the factor IX gene (factor IX). FIX is a vitamin K-dependent glycoprotein that plays a key role in the coagulation cascade. The aim of this study was to make molecular analysis of factor IX gene and evaluate genotype-phenotype correlation in 14 hemophilia B patients from Khorasan Razavi province.

 

 Materials and Methods

 Fourteen unrelated hemophilia B patients were included in the study. The patients had high PTT, normal PT, low factor IX activity (less than 30%), and normal FVIII activity. After obtaining informed consent, genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood leukocytes by standard methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) were performed to obtain a full scan of all functionally important regions of the FIX gene. DNA sequencing was done on samples with a definite band shift in SSCP. In addition, Haplotypes were constructed using four markers (DdeI, TaqI, MnlI and HhaI).

 

 Results

 The sequencing results showed 9 missenes mutations, 3 stop codons, and 1 insertion. Two of the mutations not having been reported in the database so far were novel. Malmo polymorphism (Ala148Thr) was found in two patients.

 

 Conclusions

 This study confirms the heterogeneity of factor IX gene mutations in northeast hemophilia B patients. The obtained data could be used both in tracking female carriers in families and in making decisions about prenatal diagnosis.

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 Key words : Hemophilia B, SSCP, Mutation, Factor IX

 

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  Abstract

  Background and Objectives

  There is a large number of couples who are considered potential carriers of alpha or beta-thalassemia. The exact determination of gene defect for thalassemia carriers is essential for premarital screening genetic counseling. In this study, we conducted a molecular study of those suspected of carrying alpha-thalassemia mutated genes in order to detect potential deletional and non-deletional mutations in the alpha globin gene cluster.

 

  Materials and Methods

  In this study, those suspected of having mutation in alpha-globin gene cluster with MCV < 80 fl, MCH < 27 pg, normal serum iron, and HbA₂ were selected from those referred to Pasteur Institute of Iran. Four common deletional mutations and non-deletional mutations were studied using multiplex gap-PCR, ARMS-PCR, and direct sequencing.

 

  Results

  One hundred and forty samples with above criteria entered the study with 126 (90%) cases showing at least one mutation. Study of 4 common deletional mutations using multiplex gap-PCR revealed at least one deletion in 99 (70.71%) cases. Non-deletional mutations were found using ARMS-PCR or direct sequencing in 27 (19.28%) cases. Nine different mutations were found in the samples with –α^3.7 being the most common deletion in 100 (35.71%) alleles out of 280 studied chromosomes followed by -α5^nt in 25 (8.93%) alleles as the next most common.

 

  Conclusions

  We used direct sequencing to characterize more suspected carriers of alpha thalassemia. However, using other methods like real-time PCR and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for gene dosage study of alpha-globin gene cluster could help find other non-common deletions.

 

  Key words :

  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 There is a large number of couples who are considered potential carriers of alpha or beta-thalassemia. The exact determination of gene defect for thalassemia carriers is essential for premarital screening genetic counseling. In this study, we conducted a molecular study of those suspected of carrying alpha-thalassemia mutated genes in order to detect potential deletional and non-deletional mutations in the alpha globin gene cluster.

 

 Materials and Methods

 In this study, those suspected of having mutation in alpha-globin gene cluster with MCV < 80 fl, MCH < 27 pg, normal serum iron, and HbA₂ were selected from those referred to Pasteur Institute of Iran. Four common deletional mutations and non-deletional mutations were studied using multiplex gap-PCR, ARMS-PCR, and direct sequencing.

 

 Results

 One hundred and forty samples with above criteria entered the study with 126 (90%) cases showing at least one mutation. Study of 4 common deletional mutations using multiplex gap-PCR revealed at least one deletion in 99 (70.71%) cases. Non-deletional mutations were found using ARMS-PCR or direct sequencing in 27 (19.28%) cases. Nine different mutations were found in the samples with –α^3.7 being the most common deletion in 100 (35.71%) alleles out of 280 studied chromosomes followed by -α5^nt in 25 (8.93%) alleles as the next most common.

 

 Conclusions

 We used direct sequencing to characterize more suspected carriers of alpha thalassemia. However, using other methods like real-time PCR and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for gene dosage study of alpha-globin gene cluster could help find other non-common deletions.

  

 Key words : alpha-Thalassemia, mutation, PCR, Iran

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Clinical use of blood components seems to be inappropriate in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood utilization patterns in Rasht.

 

 Materials and Methods

 This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data about blood orders issued at day 20 of each month during the year 2007 were obtained from 5 hospitals. Data were analyzed by T-test with SPSS 15 descriptively for 491 cases. For all hospitals and wards, crossmatch/transfusion ratio (C/T) was calculated and compared separately.

 

 Results

 C/T=1/9 compared to the expected ratio was normal but significant differences were observed among different centers. The highest and lowest orders were from surgery (42.8%) and internal wards (7.1%), respectively. In surgical ward, the mean hemoglobin concentration of recipients was 9.03 ± 2.19 g/dl.

 Conclusions

 Packed cell utilization in Rasht was normal but not ideal. In this study, blood utilization model in obstetrics and gynecology ward was appropriate. This may suggest an active and effective blood transfusion committee in hospitals. It seems that the lack of hospital blood transfusion committees with no experienced doctors attending, lack of executive support and external audit of hospital blood bank agenda, the lack of software integration between blood centers and hospitals, the lack of type and screening for patients, and importantly free of charge blood dispensation are major obstacles in reforming blood utilization patterns, running haemovigilance system, and raising quality.

  

 Key words : Blood, Blood Grouping and Crossmatching, Iran

 

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Abstract Background and Objectives Incorrect storage of blood and blood components within inappropriate temperature range not only nullifies the treatment effect but also brings about adverse effects. For cold chain system to be implemented, hospital blood banks should be well equipped, well trained staff should be involved, and standard operating procedures should be in place. Materials and Methods In this descriptive study, 50 hospital with permanent blood bank supervisors were selected to participate in the study in Mazandaran and Gilan Province. All cold chain equipment in hospital blood banks were directly observed all observations were then made on the formulated questionnaires. The data were analyzed with Pearson and Spearman’s rank test by SPSS 16. Results Out of the 50 hospital blood banks under study, 17 (34%) lacked standard criteria. This in part could be attributed to the lack of blood bank special freezers although they were all equipped with special refrigerators. The variables of age, gender, work experience, and education degree of the staff had no significant correlation with blood bank criteria. Conclusions The cold chain process is necessary to be followed for blood safety to be ensured. Although equipment deficiency is a main factor for blood banks not to be standard, regular personnel training and continuous supervision would be helpful for this trend to be enhanced. Key words: Cold chain, Blood Banks, Equipment

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 The molecular basis for thalassemia intermedia (TI) is determined in most thalasemia affected countries, but in Iran there has been no perfect investigation so far. This report is the results of the first step of a comprehensive analysis on molecular basis of TI in Iran. Two most important factors influencing the phenotype of TI, i.e. beta globin gene mutations, G γ XmnI polymorphism, and genotype/phenotype correlation in these patients were analysed.

 

 Materials and Methods

 In an experimental pilot study, 42 TI patients who referred to Ali-Asghar Hospital were selected and genomic DNA was extracted by salting out method. The ARMS-PCR technique was performed to detect the most prevalent β thalassemia mutations in Iran: IVSII-1 (G>A). Direct DNA sequencing was performed on the samples which had at least one unidentified allele. Simultaneously, G γ XmnI polymorphism was determined using PCR-RFLP procedure. Afterwards, the association of this polymorphism with TI was analyzed.

 

 Results

 Among 76 chromosomes, IVSII-1 was the most frequent mutation detected with 42 alleles (55.26%). Totally, 66 β globin alleles (86.84%) were β⁰ and 7 (9.21%) β⁺. In addition, 61 chromosomes (80.26%) were positive for XmnI polymorphism. This polymorphism was in strong linkage to β⁰ mutations, mainly IVSII-1. No cases with IVSII-1 mutation were XmnI-/-.

 

 Conclusions

 It seems that the presence of XmnI polymorphism may play an important role in reducing the clinical severity of thalassemia in patients with severe β⁰ alleles. However, other genetic factors should be also investigated.

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 High fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels have a major impact on the hemoglobin disorders, i.e. β-Thalassemia. Increased HbF production ameliorates the disease severity. Three loci—HBS1L-MYB intergenic region on chromosome 6q23, BCL11A on chromosome 2p16, and the γ-globin gene on chromosome 11 account for up to 50% of the variations in HbF levels in patients with sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and healthy adults. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between some polymorphisms on HBS1L-MYB BCL11A loci and increased HbF levels in thalassemia patients and normal subjects.

 Materials and Methods

 In this case-control study, three common polymorphisms among 50 β-thalassemia patients with increased HbF and 47 healthy individuals with normal HbF by using PCR-RFLP were genotyped: rs4895441, rs11886868, and rs28384513. Enzymatic digestion was performed by RsaI, MboII, and BstXI, respectively. Correlations with high levels of HbF were performed with a Chi-square test by using SPSS 16 and SNP analyzer2.

 Results

 Mutant allelic frequencies were 0.245, 0.521 and 0.309 in healthy and 0.3, 0.52 and 0.28 in patient for rs4895441, rs11886868 and rs28384513, respectively. Significant relationship was not observed among three polymorphisms studied in healthy volunteers and β-Thalassemia major patients with increased HbF levels and P-value allelic and genotypic was higher than 0.05 at three SNPs.

 Conclusions

 In spite of previous reports, evaluation of polymorphisms at the BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB loci in this study did not show up a significant correlation with increased HbF. Other polymorphisms might have a role in increasing HbF in our population.

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 In Iran, cryoprecipitate is an important plasma product for coagulation factors such as factor VIII (FVIII) to be ensured. As risk of bleeding is associated with FVIII activity, it is important to choose a suitable method for its measurement. In the present study we compared clotting and chromogenic assays on FVIII activity in cryoprecipitate.

  

 Materials and Methods

 FVIII activity of cryoprecipitate from 48 donors with different blood groups was measured by clotting and chromogenic assays. Then the two assay types were compared with each other.

  

 Results

 Although the absolute values showed a significant difference, a good correlation was seen between one-stage clot-based and chromogenic assays for measuring FVIII activity in cryo.

 

 Conclusions

 Although the one-stage clotting assay is a suitable method for measuring FVIII activity, the chromogenic assay has a good correlation with clotting based assay. Also a significant difference was seen between the two methods.

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

  Blood transfusion is one of the routes of Human T-Lymphotropic virus (HTLV1/2) transmission. Considering that Mashhad (located in Khorasan province) is one of the areas where the virus is endemic, it seems necessary to investigate its prevalence on Mashhad blood donors.

 

 Materials and Methods

 In this descriptive study, all eligible blood donors who were anti-HTLV positive based on Elisa and confirmatory tests were considered as HTLV infected individuals and a group of healthy donors was selected as the control through 2006-2008. Data were analyzed with Chi-square by SPSS17.

 

 Results

 In this study, 250582 volunteers embarked on blood donation. Among them, 1011 (0.4 %) HTLV⁺ cases were confirmed. The prevalence rates of the virus were 0.47% , 0.39% and 0.35%, respectively.

 

 Conclusions

 The results of this study shows a decreasing trend in the prevalence of HTLV among blood donors. In fact blood donors are regarded as people who have less risk behaviors. To further improve blood safety, measures should be taken to identify the prevalence rate in general population and the related risk factors so that high risk donors would be excluded effectively.

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Based on the previous researches performed in Iran and worldwide, there is a significant number of subjects carrying alpha-thalassemia gene defect. Therefore, we aimed to assess its frequency amongst a random population selected from premarriage couples who entered the national prevention program of β -thalassemia major at Tehran.

 

 Materials and Methods

 Blood samples were collected from 625 randomly selected individuals following obtaining written informed consent through eight cooperating primary health care centers (PHC) in Tehran. Primarily, CBC testing was performed. Subsequently, blood samples underwent DNA extraction and gene-specific amplification using ARMS PCR and Multiplex Gap PCR followed by DNA sequencing of negative samples to identify potentially missed alpha-globin gene mutations.

 

 Results

 According to CBC results, 147 individuals were considered normal 479 remaining blood samples underwent molecular assessment which revealed that 95 samples possessed a minimum of one deletional mutation in the alpha-globin genes, resulting in a frequency of 19.83% in the tested population (CI 95% 11.81-27.85). Furthermore, 50 samples with normal hematological indices (MCH>27, MCV>80) were tested for triplication mutation and revealed to be negative.

 

 Conclusions

 It has previously been established that Multiplex Gap PCR is capable of detecting 65% of alpha globin gene defects in blood samples with abnormally low hematological indices (MCH<27, MCV<80). Hence, using bio-informatic techniques with generalization of our results to the entire population of Tehran showed the true frequency of alpha-globin gene defect to be actually 29.90% (CI 95% 22.40-37.40) at the population level .

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Blood bank refrigerators play the main role in blood safety and appropriate blood production. Confirmation of their functions to maintain temperature stability with a PM program is compulsory. The main objective of this study is to identify the level of maintenance and regional climate effects on blood bank refrigerators in different blood centers.

  

 Materials and Methods

 In order to study the level of maintenance and possible regional climate effects on each blood bank refrigerator, a survey on 85 local refrigerators in seven regional blood centers was carried out. In this survey, along with the amount of temperature leakage from the body and glass insulators, the quality of ribbons used was also evaluated.

  

 Results

 The results obtained from this study showed the degree of temperature leakage on bodies of the fridges, metal doors, and glasses to be varied due to different factors like room humidity and temperature changes, air flow around refrigerators, and spaces between refrigerators and other appliances or wall.

  

 Conclusions

 This study contributes to a higher knowledge level of local manufacturers on how better to produce blood bank refrigerators to be compatible with different climate conditions of Iran.

 

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  Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Thalassemia disease is a public health problem with a large part of the annual country budget allocated. However, effective training methods can play an important role in increasing awareness and preventing thalassemia new births. This study focuses on two educational films and pamphlets and their impact on the knowledge and attitude of female students in Garmeh and Jajarm cities.

 

 Materials and Methods

 In this experimental study conducted in 2011, 489 people participated. The participants were classified to three groups by multistage sampling method one group was exposed to the pamphlet the second group to the film, and the third was considered the control. Then, their knowledge and attitude prior and after the interventions were evaluated and compared thorugh validated and reliable questionnaires. Finally, SPSS 16, paired t-test, and variance analysis were used for data analysis.

 

 Results

 Before the interventions, the three groups had no significant differences in the level of awareness but they were different after exposure (p < 0.05). The exposed groups showed a higher level of awareness and attitude after the exposure.

 

 Conclusions

 Given the effectiveness of such films and pamphlets, their application to increase the awareness of students is recommended to teachers and the decision makers.

 

  

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Abstract

Background and Objectives

Religious beliefs are one of the positive motivations for blood donation. The present study aimed to compare blood donation on religious days and normal days with respect to donor pattern and safety of donors.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals who referred to the main centres and portable teams of Shiraz Blood Transfusion Centre, Iran for donation on two days Tasua and Ashura days  and three days 19th, 21st, and 23rd of Ramadan (2009-2013) and on similar dates one month before these religious days .Afterwards, the donors’ characteristics (age, sex, marital status, and donation status), donor deferral rate, and the prevalence rates of hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV in blood donors were compared among them. The comparisons were made through proportion tests using Med Calc software (v. 8.0).

Results

The results revealed significant increase in the number of blood donors on Tasua and Ashra days (1.4fold). Most of the donors who referred on the religious days were male (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed regarding marital status and donation status. The prevalence  rates of hepatitis B and hepatitis C were  lower in the blood donors who referred on religious days and  compared to those referring on similar dates (p < 0.001).

Conclusions 

Higher numbers of blood donors and lower prevalence rate  of Hepatitis B and hepatitis C  on religious day shows the importance of recruiting blood donors and providing possibilities for blood donation on these days  can improve blood adequacy and blood safety. 

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Abstract

Background and Objectives

FVIII activity (FVIII:C) is measured by clotting or chromogenic methods. The results of these methods may be different in some cases of hemophilia A that can cause misdiagnosis. The Aim of this study is to assess the results of two methods of F VIII:C assay in patients with hemophilia A.

Materials and Methods

In A descriptive survey research, FVIII:C level was measured using one-stage and chromogenic assays in 73 hemophilia A known patients. The data were analyzed by t-test and SPSS 22 statistical method. 

Results

From 73 patients in this study,  the range of FVIII:C assay by one-stage method  was 4% to 81% ( mean = 22.7 , SD = 14.8 ) and the range of FVIII:C assay by chromogenic method was 1% to 123 % ( mean=16.5 , SD = 21 ).

Conclusions 

For prevention of misdiagnosis, it is recommended to use two methods of FVIII:C assays for diagnosis of patients with hemophilia A.

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Abstract

Background and Objectives

Many different factors are effective in the safety of blood donations. One of the main factors is the education status of blood donors which is the focus of the present research.

Materials and Methods

Our study is based on a cross-sectional method which was done for all donations during 2007-2008 (3519254 blood donations). The necessary data such as educational degree, sex, age, history of previous donation and the confirmed positive results (Ab-Ag, HIV HCV Ab and HBsAg) were collected from the database of e.projesa & negareh blood transfusion software. (p < 0.05).

Results

Among 3319254 blood donations, 7% were female and 93% were male. The donors with the academic degree showed to be HIV positive in 1.9 units per 100000 blood donations, 3.7 for donors with diploma and 7.5 for the illiterate[m1]  (p < 0.001). The rates for HCV positivity were 0.4 for blood donors with the academic degree, 0.9 for the ones with diploma, and 1.8 units per 1000 for the illiterate (p < 0.001). For HBS Ag positivity the figures were 2.2 for blood donors with the academic degree, 2.8 for those with diploma, and 5.8 and 5.6 units per 1000 for the illiterate (p < 0.001). 

Conclusions 

These findings showed that the level of education has a direct correlation with blood safety. The results can help Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization adopt the best strategies in recruiting the eligible blood donors from the low risk communities.