Blood Banking

Bags of blood for transfusion

Credit: UAB Hospital

Scientists have found that a common polymer can help red blood cells (RBCs) survive storage at freezing temperatures, and it may offer benefits over current methods of cryopreservation.

The polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, mimics antifreeze properties found in cold-acclimatized fish, such as arctic cod.

And experiments revealed that using polyvinyl alcohol in blood cryopreservation can inhibit the growth of ice crystals, which damage RBCs and make them unusable.

Matthew Gibson, PhD, of the University of Warwick in the UK, and his colleagues conducted these experiments and reported the results in Nature Communications.

“We know that certain types of fish survive perfectly well in sub-zero sea temperatures without their blood freezing,” Dr Gibson said. “We used this as a starting point to search for synthetic substances which reflect what nature already does so well.”

“On closer examination, it turns out that polyvinyl alcohol, which is actually a derivative of wood glue, mimics the properties of the antifreeze proteins found in these kinds of fish.”

So Dr Gibson and his colleagues decided to see how polyvinyl alcohol fared in blood cryopreservation.

The team tested RBCs from sheep and humans and found that polyvinyl alcohol could inhibit ice crystal growth, even when used at concentrations as low as 0.01wt%.

The polymer was most effective at 0.1wt%, which allowed for 40% RBC recovery. Higher concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol did reduce the growth of ice crystals, but the benefits were counteracted by the secondary effects of ice shaping, which can pierce cell membranes.

The researchers noted that the current method of cryopreservation typically requires more than 20wt% of organic solvents to prevent ice formation. And the solvents must be removed before the blood can be used.

“Polyvinyl alcohol has 3 things in its favor when applied to freezing blood,” Dr Gibson said. “Firstly, it reduces the growth of ice crystals during thawing. Secondly, it reduces the need for organic solvents, and, crucially, it reduces the time between defrosting and having transfusion-ready blood by eliminating the need to remove solvent.”

Dr Gibson pointed out that, although polyvinyl alcohol appears to be a promising option for cryopreservation, additional research is needed. But if the polymer proves effective in subsequent studies, it could be used on other cell types as well.

Bags of blood for transfusion

Credit: UAB Hospital

Scientists have found that a common polymer can help red blood cells (RBCs) survive storage at freezing temperatures, and it may offer benefits over current methods of cryopreservation.

The polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, mimics antifreeze properties found in cold-acclimatized fish, such as arctic cod.

And experiments revealed that using polyvinyl alcohol in blood cryopreservation can inhibit the growth of ice crystals, which damage RBCs and make them unusable.

Matthew Gibson, PhD, of the University of Warwick in the UK, and his colleagues conducted these experiments and reported the results in Nature Communications.

“We know that certain types of fish survive perfectly well in sub-zero sea temperatures without their blood freezing,” Dr Gibson said. “We used this as a starting point to search for synthetic substances which reflect what nature already does so well.”

“On closer examination, it turns out that polyvinyl alcohol, which is actually a derivative of wood glue, mimics the properties of the antifreeze proteins found in these kinds of fish.”

So Dr Gibson and his colleagues decided to see how polyvinyl alcohol fared in blood cryopreservation.

The team tested RBCs from sheep and humans and found that polyvinyl alcohol could inhibit ice crystal growth, even when used at concentrations as low as 0.01wt%.

The polymer was most effective at 0.1wt%, which allowed for 40% RBC recovery. Higher concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol did reduce the growth of ice crystals, but the benefits were counteracted by the secondary effects of ice shaping, which can pierce cell membranes.

The researchers noted that the current method of cryopreservation typically requires more than 20wt% of organic solvents to prevent ice formation. And the solvents must be removed before the blood can be used.

“Polyvinyl alcohol has 3 things in its favor when applied to freezing blood,” Dr Gibson said. “Firstly, it reduces the growth of ice crystals during thawing. Secondly, it reduces the need for organic solvents, and, crucially, it reduces the time between defrosting and having transfusion-ready blood by eliminating the need to remove solvent.”

Dr Gibson pointed out that, although polyvinyl alcohol appears to be a promising option for cryopreservation, additional research is needed. But if the polymer proves effective in subsequent studies, it could be used on other cell types as well.

Bags of blood for transfusion

Credit: UAB Hospital

Scientists have found that a common polymer can help red blood cells (RBCs) survive storage at freezing temperatures, and it may offer benefits over current methods of cryopreservation.

The polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, mimics antifreeze properties found in cold-acclimatized fish, such as arctic cod.

And experiments revealed that using polyvinyl alcohol in blood cryopreservation can inhibit the growth of ice crystals, which damage RBCs and make them unusable.

Matthew Gibson, PhD, of the University of Warwick in the UK, and his colleagues conducted these experiments and reported the results in Nature Communications.

“We know that certain types of fish survive perfectly well in sub-zero sea temperatures without their blood freezing,” Dr Gibson said. “We used this as a starting point to search for synthetic substances which reflect what nature already does so well.”

“On closer examination, it turns out that polyvinyl alcohol, which is actually a derivative of wood glue, mimics the properties of the antifreeze proteins found in these kinds of fish.”

So Dr Gibson and his colleagues decided to see how polyvinyl alcohol fared in blood cryopreservation.

The team tested RBCs from sheep and humans and found that polyvinyl alcohol could inhibit ice crystal growth, even when used at concentrations as low as 0.01wt%.

The polymer was most effective at 0.1wt%, which allowed for 40% RBC recovery. Higher concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol did reduce the growth of ice crystals, but the benefits were counteracted by the secondary effects of ice shaping, which can pierce cell membranes.

The researchers noted that the current method of cryopreservation typically requires more than 20wt% of organic solvents to prevent ice formation. And the solvents must be removed before the blood can be used.

“Polyvinyl alcohol has 3 things in its favor when applied to freezing blood,” Dr Gibson said. “Firstly, it reduces the growth of ice crystals during thawing. Secondly, it reduces the need for organic solvents, and, crucially, it reduces the time between defrosting and having transfusion-ready blood by eliminating the need to remove solvent.”

Dr Gibson pointed out that, although polyvinyl alcohol appears to be a promising option for cryopreservation, additional research is needed. But if the polymer proves effective in subsequent studies, it could be used on other cell types as well.

Bags of plasma for transfusion
Credit: Cristina Granados

A pooled plasma product that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in January is now available for use in the US.

The product, called Octaplas, is a sterile, frozen solution of human plasma from several donors that has been treated with a solvent detergent process to minimize the risk of serious virus transmission.

The plasma is collected from US donors who have been screened and tested for diseases transmitted by blood.

Octaplas is indicated for the replacement of multiple coagulation

factors in patients with acquired deficiencies due to liver disease or

undergoing cardiac surgery or liver transplant. Octaplas can also be

used for plasma exchange in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Octaplas is contraindicated in patients with IgA deficiency, severe deficiency of protein S, a history of hypersensitivity to fresh-frozen plasma or plasma-derived products including any plasma protein, or a history of hypersensitivity reaction to Octaplas.

Transfusion reactions can occur with ABO blood group mismatches. High infusion rates can induce hypervolemia with consequent pulmonary edema or cardiac failure.

Excessive bleeding due to hyperfibrinolysis can occur due to low levels of alpha2-antiplasmin. Thrombosis can occur due to low levels of protein S, and citrate toxicity can occur with volumes exceeding 1 mL of Octaplas per kg per minute.

Because Octaplas is made from human plasma, it may carry the risk of transmitting infectious agents; for instance, the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease agent.

Administering Octaplas

Octaplas should be matched to the recipient’s blood group to help avoid transfusion reactions. Each lot of the product is tested for composition of key clotting factors and is only released if the levels are within acceptable ranges.

The product is administered by intravenous infusion after thawing, using an infusion set with a filter. An aseptic technique must be used throughout the infusion.

The dosage depends upon the clinical situation and the underlying disorder. But 12 to 15 mL/kg of body weight is a generally accepted starting dose, and it should increase the patient’s plasma coagulation factor levels by about 25%.

It is important to monitor patient response, both clinically and with measurement of prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and/or specific coagulation factor assays.

To order Octaplas, call your local Blood Center or National Hospital Specialties at 800-344-6087. To request product information, call 201-604-1130.

For prescribing information, visit www.octaplasus.com. Octaplas is manufactured by Octapharma USA.

Bags of plasma for transfusion
Credit: Cristina Granados

A pooled plasma product that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in January is now available for use in the US.

The product, called Octaplas, is a sterile, frozen solution of human plasma from several donors that has been treated with a solvent detergent process to minimize the risk of serious virus transmission.

The plasma is collected from US donors who have been screened and tested for diseases transmitted by blood.

Octaplas is indicated for the replacement of multiple coagulation

factors in patients with acquired deficiencies due to liver disease or

undergoing cardiac surgery or liver transplant. Octaplas can also be

used for plasma exchange in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Octaplas is contraindicated in patients with IgA deficiency, severe deficiency of protein S, a history of hypersensitivity to fresh-frozen plasma or plasma-derived products including any plasma protein, or a history of hypersensitivity reaction to Octaplas.

Transfusion reactions can occur with ABO blood group mismatches. High infusion rates can induce hypervolemia with consequent pulmonary edema or cardiac failure.

Excessive bleeding due to hyperfibrinolysis can occur due to low levels of alpha2-antiplasmin. Thrombosis can occur due to low levels of protein S, and citrate toxicity can occur with volumes exceeding 1 mL of Octaplas per kg per minute.

Because Octaplas is made from human plasma, it may carry the risk of transmitting infectious agents; for instance, the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease agent.

Administering Octaplas

Octaplas should be matched to the recipient’s blood group to help avoid transfusion reactions. Each lot of the product is tested for composition of key clotting factors and is only released if the levels are within acceptable ranges.

The product is administered by intravenous infusion after thawing, using an infusion set with a filter. An aseptic technique must be used throughout the infusion.

The dosage depends upon the clinical situation and the underlying disorder. But 12 to 15 mL/kg of body weight is a generally accepted starting dose, and it should increase the patient’s plasma coagulation factor levels by about 25%.

It is important to monitor patient response, both clinically and with measurement of prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and/or specific coagulation factor assays.

To order Octaplas, call your local Blood Center or National Hospital Specialties at 800-344-6087. To request product information, call 201-604-1130.

For prescribing information, visit www.octaplasus.com. Octaplas is manufactured by Octapharma USA.

Bags of plasma for transfusion
Credit: Cristina Granados

A pooled plasma product that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in January is now available for use in the US.

The product, called Octaplas, is a sterile, frozen solution of human plasma from several donors that has been treated with a solvent detergent process to minimize the risk of serious virus transmission.

The plasma is collected from US donors who have been screened and tested for diseases transmitted by blood.

Octaplas is indicated for the replacement of multiple coagulation

factors in patients with acquired deficiencies due to liver disease or

undergoing cardiac surgery or liver transplant. Octaplas can also be

used for plasma exchange in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Octaplas is contraindicated in patients with IgA deficiency, severe deficiency of protein S, a history of hypersensitivity to fresh-frozen plasma or plasma-derived products including any plasma protein, or a history of hypersensitivity reaction to Octaplas.

Transfusion reactions can occur with ABO blood group mismatches. High infusion rates can induce hypervolemia with consequent pulmonary edema or cardiac failure.

Excessive bleeding due to hyperfibrinolysis can occur due to low levels of alpha2-antiplasmin. Thrombosis can occur due to low levels of protein S, and citrate toxicity can occur with volumes exceeding 1 mL of Octaplas per kg per minute.

Because Octaplas is made from human plasma, it may carry the risk of transmitting infectious agents; for instance, the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease agent.

Administering Octaplas

Octaplas should be matched to the recipient’s blood group to help avoid transfusion reactions. Each lot of the product is tested for composition of key clotting factors and is only released if the levels are within acceptable ranges.

The product is administered by intravenous infusion after thawing, using an infusion set with a filter. An aseptic technique must be used throughout the infusion.

The dosage depends upon the clinical situation and the underlying disorder. But 12 to 15 mL/kg of body weight is a generally accepted starting dose, and it should increase the patient’s plasma coagulation factor levels by about 25%.

It is important to monitor patient response, both clinically and with measurement of prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and/or specific coagulation factor assays.

To order Octaplas, call your local Blood Center or National Hospital Specialties at 800-344-6087. To request product information, call 201-604-1130.

For prescribing information, visit www.octaplasus.com. Octaplas is manufactured by Octapharma USA.

Blood for transfusion

Canada is lifting the lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM).

The country’s new policy will allow MSM to donate blood if they have remained celibate for 5 years. The policy is set to take effect July 22.

Health Canada approved this change based on a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec submitted last December. 

The lifetime ban on MSM blood donation was insituted in the 1980s after thousands of Canadians were infected with HIV through blood transfusions.

In the US, the lifetime ban is still in place. But the UK, Australia, and other countries have adopted policies alowing MSM to donate if they have refrained from sexual activity for a certain period of time.

Supporters of the lifetime ban on MSM have said such a policy helps ensure a safe blood supply. But critics have said banning MSM is discriminatory, and the policy lacks scientific evidence to support it.

“We recognize that many people will feel that this change does not go far enough, but, given the history of the blood system in Canada, we see this as a first and prudent step forward on this policy,” said Dana Devine, Vice President of Medical, Scientific, and Research Affairs at Canadian Blood Services.

“It’s the right thing to do, and we are committed to regular review of this policy as additional data emerge and new technologies are implemented.”

Under the new policy, potential male blood donors will be asked whether they have had sex with a man in the past 5 years rather than “even once, since 1977,” which is how the policy has read until now.

Canadian Blood Services has been pursuing data to inform a policy change on MSM for several years. In September 2011, the organization’s board of directors passed a motion committing to re-examine this policy, with a view to reduce the lifetime exclusion to no less than 5 years and no longer than 10 years.

After conducting risk analyses and consulting with scientific experts, as well as patient and community groups, Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec submitted a policy request to Health Canada in December 2012.

Health Canada approved the policy change with the stipulation that blood operators must closely monitor and report the potential impacts of this change in terms of transmissible disease rates back to the regulator.

Blood for transfusion

Canada is lifting the lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM).

The country’s new policy will allow MSM to donate blood if they have remained celibate for 5 years. The policy is set to take effect July 22.

Health Canada approved this change based on a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec submitted last December. 

The lifetime ban on MSM blood donation was insituted in the 1980s after thousands of Canadians were infected with HIV through blood transfusions.

In the US, the lifetime ban is still in place. But the UK, Australia, and other countries have adopted policies alowing MSM to donate if they have refrained from sexual activity for a certain period of time.

Supporters of the lifetime ban on MSM have said such a policy helps ensure a safe blood supply. But critics have said banning MSM is discriminatory, and the policy lacks scientific evidence to support it.

“We recognize that many people will feel that this change does not go far enough, but, given the history of the blood system in Canada, we see this as a first and prudent step forward on this policy,” said Dana Devine, Vice President of Medical, Scientific, and Research Affairs at Canadian Blood Services.

“It’s the right thing to do, and we are committed to regular review of this policy as additional data emerge and new technologies are implemented.”

Under the new policy, potential male blood donors will be asked whether they have had sex with a man in the past 5 years rather than “even once, since 1977,” which is how the policy has read until now.

Canadian Blood Services has been pursuing data to inform a policy change on MSM for several years. In September 2011, the organization’s board of directors passed a motion committing to re-examine this policy, with a view to reduce the lifetime exclusion to no less than 5 years and no longer than 10 years.

After conducting risk analyses and consulting with scientific experts, as well as patient and community groups, Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec submitted a policy request to Health Canada in December 2012.

Health Canada approved the policy change with the stipulation that blood operators must closely monitor and report the potential impacts of this change in terms of transmissible disease rates back to the regulator.

Blood for transfusion

Canada is lifting the lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM).

The country’s new policy will allow MSM to donate blood if they have remained celibate for 5 years. The policy is set to take effect July 22.

Health Canada approved this change based on a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec submitted last December. 

The lifetime ban on MSM blood donation was insituted in the 1980s after thousands of Canadians were infected with HIV through blood transfusions.

In the US, the lifetime ban is still in place. But the UK, Australia, and other countries have adopted policies alowing MSM to donate if they have refrained from sexual activity for a certain period of time.

Supporters of the lifetime ban on MSM have said such a policy helps ensure a safe blood supply. But critics have said banning MSM is discriminatory, and the policy lacks scientific evidence to support it.

“We recognize that many people will feel that this change does not go far enough, but, given the history of the blood system in Canada, we see this as a first and prudent step forward on this policy,” said Dana Devine, Vice President of Medical, Scientific, and Research Affairs at Canadian Blood Services.

“It’s the right thing to do, and we are committed to regular review of this policy as additional data emerge and new technologies are implemented.”

Under the new policy, potential male blood donors will be asked whether they have had sex with a man in the past 5 years rather than “even once, since 1977,” which is how the policy has read until now.

Canadian Blood Services has been pursuing data to inform a policy change on MSM for several years. In September 2011, the organization’s board of directors passed a motion committing to re-examine this policy, with a view to reduce the lifetime exclusion to no less than 5 years and no longer than 10 years.

After conducting risk analyses and consulting with scientific experts, as well as patient and community groups, Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec submitted a policy request to Health Canada in December 2012.

Health Canada approved the policy change with the stipulation that blood operators must closely monitor and report the potential impacts of this change in terms of transmissible disease rates back to the regulator.

Plasma for donation

The FDA has approved a pooled plasma blood product (Octaplas) that can be used to replace coagulation factors in patients with certain medical conditions.

The product is a sterile, frozen solution of human plasma from several donors that has been treated with a solvent detergent process to minimize the risk of serious virus transmission.

The plasma used to manufacture Octaplas is collected from US donors who have been screened and tested for diseases transmitted by blood.

“For patients suffering with clotting disorders, this product provides a viable alternative to single-donor fresh-frozen plasma [FFP] and provides a reduced risk of certain viral transmissions,” said Karen Midthun, MD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Indications and administration

Octaplas is indicated for the replacement of multiple coagulation factors in patients with acquired deficiencies due to liver disease or undergoing cardiac surgery or liver transplant. Octaplas can also be

used for plasma exchange in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

Like FFP, Octaplas should be matched to the recipient’s blood group to help avoid transfusion reactions. Each lot of Octaplas is tested for composition of key clotting factors and is only released if the levels are within acceptable ranges.

The product is administered by intravenous infusion after thawing, using an infusion set with a filter. An aseptic technique must be used throughout the infusion.

The dosage depends upon the clinical situation and the underlying disorder. But 12-15 mL/kg of body weight is a generally accepted starting dose, and it should increase the patient’s plasma coagulation factor levels by about 25%.

It is important to monitor patient response, both clinically and with measurement of prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and/or specific coagulation factor assays.

Prior experience with Octaplas

The FDA’s approval of Octaplas was primarily based on studies conducted in patients with liver disease, liver transplant, heart surgery, and TTP. The most common adverse reactions observed in these trials were shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, pruritis/rash, headache, and paresthesia.

Additional data supporting the safe use of Octaplas for the US market came from prior use of the product in Europe and other approved markets, where it has been used extensively.

A previous generation of Octaplas was first marketed in 1992, and the current version has been marketed since 2006. In total, more than 2 million patients outside the US have been treated with more than 7 million doses of Octaplas.

The product is manufactured by Octapharma, located in Vienna, Austria. For more information on Octaplas, visit the Octapharma website.

Plasma for donation

The FDA has approved a pooled plasma blood product (Octaplas) that can be used to replace coagulation factors in patients with certain medical conditions.

The product is a sterile, frozen solution of human plasma from several donors that has been treated with a solvent detergent process to minimize the risk of serious virus transmission.

The plasma used to manufacture Octaplas is collected from US donors who have been screened and tested for diseases transmitted by blood.

“For patients suffering with clotting disorders, this product provides a viable alternative to single-donor fresh-frozen plasma [FFP] and provides a reduced risk of certain viral transmissions,” said Karen Midthun, MD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Indications and administration

Octaplas is indicated for the replacement of multiple coagulation factors in patients with acquired deficiencies due to liver disease or undergoing cardiac surgery or liver transplant. Octaplas can also be

used for plasma exchange in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

Like FFP, Octaplas should be matched to the recipient’s blood group to help avoid transfusion reactions. Each lot of Octaplas is tested for composition of key clotting factors and is only released if the levels are within acceptable ranges.

The product is administered by intravenous infusion after thawing, using an infusion set with a filter. An aseptic technique must be used throughout the infusion.

The dosage depends upon the clinical situation and the underlying disorder. But 12-15 mL/kg of body weight is a generally accepted starting dose, and it should increase the patient’s plasma coagulation factor levels by about 25%.

It is important to monitor patient response, both clinically and with measurement of prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and/or specific coagulation factor assays.

Prior experience with Octaplas

The FDA’s approval of Octaplas was primarily based on studies conducted in patients with liver disease, liver transplant, heart surgery, and TTP. The most common adverse reactions observed in these trials were shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, pruritis/rash, headache, and paresthesia.

Additional data supporting the safe use of Octaplas for the US market came from prior use of the product in Europe and other approved markets, where it has been used extensively.

A previous generation of Octaplas was first marketed in 1992, and the current version has been marketed since 2006. In total, more than 2 million patients outside the US have been treated with more than 7 million doses of Octaplas.

The product is manufactured by Octapharma, located in Vienna, Austria. For more information on Octaplas, visit the Octapharma website.

Plasma for donation

The FDA has approved a pooled plasma blood product (Octaplas) that can be used to replace coagulation factors in patients with certain medical conditions.

The product is a sterile, frozen solution of human plasma from several donors that has been treated with a solvent detergent process to minimize the risk of serious virus transmission.

The plasma used to manufacture Octaplas is collected from US donors who have been screened and tested for diseases transmitted by blood.

“For patients suffering with clotting disorders, this product provides a viable alternative to single-donor fresh-frozen plasma [FFP] and provides a reduced risk of certain viral transmissions,” said Karen Midthun, MD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Indications and administration

Octaplas is indicated for the replacement of multiple coagulation factors in patients with acquired deficiencies due to liver disease or undergoing cardiac surgery or liver transplant. Octaplas can also be

used for plasma exchange in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

Like FFP, Octaplas should be matched to the recipient’s blood group to help avoid transfusion reactions. Each lot of Octaplas is tested for composition of key clotting factors and is only released if the levels are within acceptable ranges.

The product is administered by intravenous infusion after thawing, using an infusion set with a filter. An aseptic technique must be used throughout the infusion.

The dosage depends upon the clinical situation and the underlying disorder. But 12-15 mL/kg of body weight is a generally accepted starting dose, and it should increase the patient’s plasma coagulation factor levels by about 25%.

It is important to monitor patient response, both clinically and with measurement of prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and/or specific coagulation factor assays.

Prior experience with Octaplas

The FDA’s approval of Octaplas was primarily based on studies conducted in patients with liver disease, liver transplant, heart surgery, and TTP. The most common adverse reactions observed in these trials were shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, pruritis/rash, headache, and paresthesia.

Additional data supporting the safe use of Octaplas for the US market came from prior use of the product in Europe and other approved markets, where it has been used extensively.

A previous generation of Octaplas was first marketed in 1992, and the current version has been marketed since 2006. In total, more than 2 million patients outside the US have been treated with more than 7 million doses of Octaplas.

The product is manufactured by Octapharma, located in Vienna, Austria. For more information on Octaplas, visit the Octapharma website.

Blood donation
Photo by Juan D. Alfonso

The lifetime ban on blood donation from men who have sex with men (MSM) has been lifted in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Beginning in November, MSM in these countries can donate blood if they have not engaged in sexual activity within the past 12 months. A study published September 8 on bmj.com helped inform this decision. 

Several other countries previously lifted the lifetime ban instituted in the 1980s and introduced deferment periods instead. For example, MSM in South Africa must defer blood donation 6 months after sexual activity. And MSM in Australia, Sweden, and Japan must wait 12 months.

The changes to policy in these countries—along with advances in blood screening techniques and knowledge of HIV—prompted calls for Great Britain to revise its blood donor policy.

So Kaye Wellings, of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and her colleagues decided to assess the possible effects of revising the policy, as well as past compliance with the lifetime ban. The results of their study were used to inform the policy review conducted by the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues, and Organs.

Between April 2009 and June 2010, Wellings’s team surveyed 1028 men in Britain who reported having any sexual contact with other men. Of those surveyed, 10.6% reported donating blood since having penetrative sex with a man, and 2.5% had done so in the past 12 months.

The men cited various reasons for not complying with the ban. They believed themselves to be at low risk of having HIV, had confidentiality concerns, did not understand the ban, or thought the ban unfair.

To gain more insight, Wellings and her colleagues conducted interviews with 30 MSMs—19 who had complied with the lifetime ban on blood donation and 11 who had not.

Many of these men considered the lifetime ban to be unfair, discriminatory, and lacking a clear rationale. However, they generally viewed a 1-year deferral rule as feasible and acceptable.

This prompted Wellings and her colleagues to conclude that MSM might be more likely to comply with a 1-year deferral rule than a lifetime ban. And compliance might improve further with better communication, improved confidentiality measures, and clear explanations of the rationale behind the rule.

Blood donation
Photo by Juan D. Alfonso

The lifetime ban on blood donation from men who have sex with men (MSM) has been lifted in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Beginning in November, MSM in these countries can donate blood if they have not engaged in sexual activity within the past 12 months. A study published September 8 on bmj.com helped inform this decision. 

Several other countries previously lifted the lifetime ban instituted in the 1980s and introduced deferment periods instead. For example, MSM in South Africa must defer blood donation 6 months after sexual activity. And MSM in Australia, Sweden, and Japan must wait 12 months.

The changes to policy in these countries—along with advances in blood screening techniques and knowledge of HIV—prompted calls for Great Britain to revise its blood donor policy.

So Kaye Wellings, of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and her colleagues decided to assess the possible effects of revising the policy, as well as past compliance with the lifetime ban. The results of their study were used to inform the policy review conducted by the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues, and Organs.

Between April 2009 and June 2010, Wellings’s team surveyed 1028 men in Britain who reported having any sexual contact with other men. Of those surveyed, 10.6% reported donating blood since having penetrative sex with a man, and 2.5% had done so in the past 12 months.

The men cited various reasons for not complying with the ban. They believed themselves to be at low risk of having HIV, had confidentiality concerns, did not understand the ban, or thought the ban unfair.

To gain more insight, Wellings and her colleagues conducted interviews with 30 MSMs—19 who had complied with the lifetime ban on blood donation and 11 who had not.

Many of these men considered the lifetime ban to be unfair, discriminatory, and lacking a clear rationale. However, they generally viewed a 1-year deferral rule as feasible and acceptable.

This prompted Wellings and her colleagues to conclude that MSM might be more likely to comply with a 1-year deferral rule than a lifetime ban. And compliance might improve further with better communication, improved confidentiality measures, and clear explanations of the rationale behind the rule.

Blood donation
Photo by Juan D. Alfonso

The lifetime ban on blood donation from men who have sex with men (MSM) has been lifted in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Beginning in November, MSM in these countries can donate blood if they have not engaged in sexual activity within the past 12 months. A study published September 8 on bmj.com helped inform this decision. 

Several other countries previously lifted the lifetime ban instituted in the 1980s and introduced deferment periods instead. For example, MSM in South Africa must defer blood donation 6 months after sexual activity. And MSM in Australia, Sweden, and Japan must wait 12 months.

The changes to policy in these countries—along with advances in blood screening techniques and knowledge of HIV—prompted calls for Great Britain to revise its blood donor policy.

So Kaye Wellings, of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and her colleagues decided to assess the possible effects of revising the policy, as well as past compliance with the lifetime ban. The results of their study were used to inform the policy review conducted by the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues, and Organs.

Between April 2009 and June 2010, Wellings’s team surveyed 1028 men in Britain who reported having any sexual contact with other men. Of those surveyed, 10.6% reported donating blood since having penetrative sex with a man, and 2.5% had done so in the past 12 months.

The men cited various reasons for not complying with the ban. They believed themselves to be at low risk of having HIV, had confidentiality concerns, did not understand the ban, or thought the ban unfair.

To gain more insight, Wellings and her colleagues conducted interviews with 30 MSMs—19 who had complied with the lifetime ban on blood donation and 11 who had not.

Many of these men considered the lifetime ban to be unfair, discriminatory, and lacking a clear rationale. However, they generally viewed a 1-year deferral rule as feasible and acceptable.

This prompted Wellings and her colleagues to conclude that MSM might be more likely to comply with a 1-year deferral rule than a lifetime ban. And compliance might improve further with better communication, improved confidentiality measures, and clear explanations of the rationale behind the rule.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared for marketing the first rapid test to detect bacterial contamination in leukoreduced apheresis platelets prior to transfusion.

The platelet pan genera detection (PGD) test system is a disposable test strip for use in a hospital transfusion service setting.

It is intended to supplement current quality control testing methods of platelets following collection.

The clearance of this test is a significant advancement in detecting bacterial contamination of platelets, according to Jesse L. Goodman, MD, MPH, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

“In half an hour, a sample is prepared, processed, and read, providing an additional assurance that the product is free from harmful bacteria,” Dr Goodman said.

Bacterial contamination of platelets is the leading infectious cause of transfusion-related patient fatalities. The risk of a patient receiving a transfusion contaminated with bacteria is 1 in 5,000, far greater than the risk of transmitting hepatitis C (1 in 1.6 million) or HIV (1 in 1.9 million).

To reduce the risk of transfusing contaminated platelets, blood centers culture samples of the platelets 24 hours after the donation. The culture is read within 48 hours of donation, and contaminated units are discarded.

However, there is a possibility that the number of bacteria present at the time of culture may be so low that bacteria are not detected due to sampling limitations.

Rapid testing of platelets using the platelet PGD test system permits units of platelets to be retested at a time closer to their use. Although the test system is less sensitive than standard cultures, it is done later in storage when bacteria, if present, have multiplied and are therefore easier to detect.

The platelet PGD test system was developed by Verax Biomedica Inc., Worcester, Massachusetts.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared for marketing the first rapid test to detect bacterial contamination in leukoreduced apheresis platelets prior to transfusion.

The platelet pan genera detection (PGD) test system is a disposable test strip for use in a hospital transfusion service setting.

It is intended to supplement current quality control testing methods of platelets following collection.

The clearance of this test is a significant advancement in detecting bacterial contamination of platelets, according to Jesse L. Goodman, MD, MPH, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

“In half an hour, a sample is prepared, processed, and read, providing an additional assurance that the product is free from harmful bacteria,” Dr Goodman said.

Bacterial contamination of platelets is the leading infectious cause of transfusion-related patient fatalities. The risk of a patient receiving a transfusion contaminated with bacteria is 1 in 5,000, far greater than the risk of transmitting hepatitis C (1 in 1.6 million) or HIV (1 in 1.9 million).

To reduce the risk of transfusing contaminated platelets, blood centers culture samples of the platelets 24 hours after the donation. The culture is read within 48 hours of donation, and contaminated units are discarded.

However, there is a possibility that the number of bacteria present at the time of culture may be so low that bacteria are not detected due to sampling limitations.

Rapid testing of platelets using the platelet PGD test system permits units of platelets to be retested at a time closer to their use. Although the test system is less sensitive than standard cultures, it is done later in storage when bacteria, if present, have multiplied and are therefore easier to detect.

The platelet PGD test system was developed by Verax Biomedica Inc., Worcester, Massachusetts.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared for marketing the first rapid test to detect bacterial contamination in leukoreduced apheresis platelets prior to transfusion.

The platelet pan genera detection (PGD) test system is a disposable test strip for use in a hospital transfusion service setting.

It is intended to supplement current quality control testing methods of platelets following collection.

The clearance of this test is a significant advancement in detecting bacterial contamination of platelets, according to Jesse L. Goodman, MD, MPH, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

“In half an hour, a sample is prepared, processed, and read, providing an additional assurance that the product is free from harmful bacteria,” Dr Goodman said.

Bacterial contamination of platelets is the leading infectious cause of transfusion-related patient fatalities. The risk of a patient receiving a transfusion contaminated with bacteria is 1 in 5,000, far greater than the risk of transmitting hepatitis C (1 in 1.6 million) or HIV (1 in 1.9 million).

To reduce the risk of transfusing contaminated platelets, blood centers culture samples of the platelets 24 hours after the donation. The culture is read within 48 hours of donation, and contaminated units are discarded.

However, there is a possibility that the number of bacteria present at the time of culture may be so low that bacteria are not detected due to sampling limitations.

Rapid testing of platelets using the platelet PGD test system permits units of platelets to be retested at a time closer to their use. Although the test system is less sensitive than standard cultures, it is done later in storage when bacteria, if present, have multiplied and are therefore easier to detect.

The platelet PGD test system was developed by Verax Biomedica Inc., Worcester, Massachusetts.