Prevention of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E by donor-initiated self exclusion

Transfus Med. 2005 Apr;15(2):133-5. doi: 10.1111/j.0958-7578.2005.00563.x.

Abstract

Safety in blood transfusion has all along been focused on blood borne viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and C. However, infective agents that are not usually transmitted through blood may also pose risk to transfusion if the donor gives blood in the early-viraemic phase. A case report of potential transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E (HEV) is described. It shows the virus can be transmissible via blood because of the presence of HEV RNA in the blood donated. Pre-donation health screening was unable to exclude this asymptomatic donor. But donor-initiated call back system which acts as an additional safety net prevented the release of the potential infective blood products.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Donors*
  • Blood Transfusion*
  • Hepatitis E / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Male