A comparison of seroprevalence of blood-borne infections among regular, sporadic, and first-time blood donors in Isfahan

Background and objectivesIn recent years there have been special interest in the donor selection strategies in blood banks in order to provide safer blood supply. Important steps are exclusion of paid and replacement donation and increase in the number of regular donors. In this survey the seroprevalence of blood-borne infections among regular, sporadic (lapsed) and first-time blood donors were compared (from August 2002 to March 2003). Materials and MethodsIn a retrospective study the prevalence of transfusion transmitted infections was compared among regular, sporadic (lapsed) and first-time blood donors of Isfahan city. The total of 29458 blood donors donated blood during August 2002 to March 2003 in Isfahan; out of this number, 16620 were regular donors (56.42%), 5742 sporadic donors (19.49%), and 7096 first-time donors (24.09%). Data were collected from the computerized data source of Isfahan Blood Transfusion Center and were then compared by the c 2 test. ResultsOut of 16620 regular donors, 64 (0.385%) were HBsAg positive, 32 (0.192%) were HCV-Ab reactive, and all were HIV-Ab negative. Whereas, out of 5742 sporadic donors 55(0.958%) were HBsAg positive, 18 (0.313%) HCV-Ab reactive, and one (0.017%) was HIV-Ab reactive. Out of 7096 first-time blood donors, 42 (0.592%) were HBsAg positive, and 22 (0.31%) HCV-Ab reactive. No HIV-Ab reactive donors were detected. The prevalence of blood-borne infections (hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV) was less in regular than sporadic and first-time blood donors. The difference was significant (p=0.000 for regular and sporadic donors and p=0.005 for regular and first-time donors). ConclusionsRegular blood donation is one of the important steps in blood safety; hence, retention of regular donors, and awareness-raising and recruitment of sporadic and first-time donors can increase the rate of regular donation leading in turn to higher blood safety.