Reduction of hepatitis B seroprevalence in blood banking units by combined utilization of self-exclusion forms and clinical evaluation of blood donation candidates in Turkey

Abstract

SUMMARY In this retrospectively designed study, we evaluate the influence of the permanence and qualifications of health-care professionals on blood disposal rates due to hepatitis seropositivity. We observed a decrease of 44.2% in the number of blood units being rejected due to the donor's hepatitis B seropositivity in the second study period in which self-exclusion forms and where blood donation candidates were evaluated by a family physician. However, a similar decrease of the disposal rate due to hepatitis C seropositivity was not observed. This is especially important in countries which cannot afford many of the expensive modern laboratory tests. A comprehensive evaluation of self-exclusion forms and a brief examination prior to donation will greatly increase transfusion safety. Unfortunately, there are blood banks in Turkey which employ no physicians at all.