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Selective testing for Trypanosoma cruzi : the first year after implementation at C anadian B lood S ervices
Author(s) -
O'Brien Sheila F.,
Scalia Vito,
Goldman Mindy,
Fan Wenli,
Yi QiLong,
Dines Irene R.,
Huang Mary,
Ndao Momar,
Fearon Margaret A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2012.03950.x
Subject(s) - trypanosoma cruzi , chemistry , parasite hosting , computer science , world wide web
Background Various testing strategies may reduce the risk of Chagas disease transmission in nonendemic, low‐prevalence countries. Results of the first year of selective testing of at‐risk donors at C anadian B lood S ervices are reported. Study Design and Methods Since F ebruary 2009, platelets were not produced from at‐risk donors. Since M ay 2010, at‐risk donors were tested for Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies. Donors testing positive were interviewed about risk factors, and lookback studies were initiated. Results There were 7255 at‐risk donors of 421,979 donors screened (1.72%). Risk factors were born in L atin A merica (50.6%), mother or maternal grandmother born in L atin A merica (28%), and 6 months or more travel history or residence in L atin A merica (19%). Sixteen (16) at‐risk donors had T. cruzi repeat‐reactive test results of whom 13 confirmed positive. Eleven of 13 were born in L atin A merica (nine in P araguay and two in A rgentina), and the other two were born in C anada but had short‐term travel history and mothers who had been born in L atin A merica. Ten of the donors spoke G erman as their first language (all of those born in P araguay and one born in C anada). There were 148 previous donations (176 components transfused) evaluated by lookback, of which 28% of recipients could be tested. None were positive. Conclusion Selective testing has mitigated a small risk to the blood supply with very few false‐positive results. Most positive donors were born in a risk country, with a concentration of G erman‐speaking immigrants from P araguay. Residency or travel alone were not clear risk factors.