RESUMEN
The Blood Transfusion Service introduced screening for Hepatitis C antibody (HCV) in September 1991. This is done by second generation enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. We present a case of post-transfusion hepatitis C hepatitis in a patient with myeloma. Infection was acquired before screening was introduced. Both the patient and the infected blood donor were diagnosed using ELISA assays and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this way we prevented the blood donor from spreading the virus via subsequent blood donations. There were some interesting discrepancies in the HCV assays. Blood samples, when tested by different methods, gave both positive and negative results. The results also varied according to when the blood samples to be tested were taken. The case illustrates the importance of confirming positive results and that no single laboratory test is entirely satisfactory in diagnosing HCV infection.
Asunto(s)
Hepatitis C/etiología , Reacción a la Transfusión , Anciano , Donantes de Sangre , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Hepacivirus/aislamiento & purificación , Anticuerpos Antihepatitis/sangre , Hepatitis C/transmisión , Anticuerpos contra la Hepatitis C , Humanos , Masculino , Reacción en Cadena de la PolimerasaRESUMEN
Four methods used for the production of leucocyte-poor blood were compared: liquid nitrogen recovery and washing, washing alone, the Imugard filter and the Leuko-Pak filter. Twenty units of blood were tested by each technique. Liquid nitrogen recovery and washing, and the Imugard filter removed over 95% of white cells, and 95% and 56% respectively of platelets. Washing alone was unreliable and removed on average 47% of white cells and 85% of platelets. The Leuko-Pak filter removed on average 42% of white cells and 79% of platelets.
Asunto(s)
Transfusión Sanguínea , Leucocitos , Separación Celular/métodos , Filtración/instrumentación , HumanosRESUMEN
Eighty units of whole blood in its third week of shelf-life were filtered through the Pall of Fenwal microaggregate filter. Half of these units were centrifuged before filtration. White cell removal was approximately 30% for the Fenwal filter both with and without prior centrifugation; for the Pall filter, removal was 7% without centrifugation and 30% with centrifugation. It is suggested that these simple filters are a useful way of reducing both platelet and white cell content of blood administered to patients requiring multiple transfusion. Their use may delay development of white cell and platelet antibodies obviating the use of washed or frozen cells in these patients.
Asunto(s)
Sangre , Ultrafiltración/instrumentación , Humanos , Recuento de Leucocitos , Linfocitos/enzimología , Neutrófilos/enzimología , Peroxidasas/sangreRESUMEN
Considerable experience has been gained in the operation of a bank of blood frozen in liquid nitrogen. The procedure for freezing and recovering the red cells is, in principle, that described by Krijnen, Kuivenhoven, and de Wit (1970). An improved metal freezing container offers greater freedom from liquid nitrogen leaks and hence, bacterial contamination. Over 500 units of blood have been preserved and used for transfusions without mishap, and many advantages are seen in this relatively economical method for the long-term storage of blood.