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oa Improved Screening of Donor's Blood for Malaria: A Qatari Experience
- Source: Qatar Medical Journal, Volume 2005, Issue 2, Nov 2005,
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- 01 November 2005
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most widespread infections globally and is undoubtedly responsible for the majority of all cases of transfusion-transmitted disease in the world. Qatar is free from endemic malaria. However; cases are seen with the large expatriate work force imported from malarious areas. These constitute a significant percent of the blood donors’ pool (34%). Over a 27-month period, among 5845 volunteers tested for malaria, 21 were deferred (0.36%) showing positive result when screened by the Giemsastained thick smear technique, with 2 undiagnosed cases that led to transfusion-transmitted malaria. Since then and for the last 21 months, the Falciparum-Spot immunofluorescence (IF) test was implemented in an attempt to ensure accurate screening. Among 6367 donors tested, 274 (4.3%) were deferred. Careful questioning about donor travel history, expansion of deferral policy and the use of a more sensitive screening test have all resulted in increasing layers of safety where no transfusion-transmitted malaria was reported in the last 21 months. These measures were necessary to regain the trust of the public in the safety and stewardship of the blood supply.