Articles tagged with Blood Donation
Gaps in hepatitis prevention measures across Europe hinder efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030. Despite progress in vaccination and harm reduction, some countries struggle with low vaccine coverage and inadequate access to sterile needles for injecting drug users.
The US is experiencing a significant blood donation shortage due to severe winter weather, with critically low supplies of O-negative blood. Anesthesiologists are urging increased donations and changing infusion practices to preserve this rare blood type essential for emergency care.
Researchers found that non-monetary honor-based incentives increased blood donation counts by 3.5% and 7.7% over time, with no significant effect on donor safety. The model, which grants frequent donors privileges such as free consultations, may be a sustainable strategy for addressing potential blood shortages.
A new study found that caffeine can damage red blood cells during storage and reduce their effectiveness after transfusion, especially in individuals with certain genetic variations. The research suggests a personalized approach to blood transfusion based on lifestyle factors and genetic traits.
Researchers found that giving plasma, rather than whole blood, improves outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or shock. Plasma recipients had distinct proteomic profiles associated with later stages of clot formation, neuron survival, and wound repair.
Researchers found genetic changes in frequent blood donors that enable them to respond well to blood loss, promoting healthy stem cell growth. In contrast, preleukemic mutations associated with blood cancer were not favored by regular donation.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood researchers surveyed over 4,000 people with haemochromatosis and found that their blood and plasma can be used to save lives. The study highlights the potential for these donors to increase blood supplies globally, particularly in countries accepting plasma donations from individuals with this condition.
Researchers found that community-made videos can effectively encourage Black people to donate blood, with 90% of the target audience stating they would be convinced. The approach leverages emotional engagement and co-design with ethnic minorities to address health inequalities.
The European Union is urged to adopt a balanced, empirically sound approach to regulate substances of human origin. Properly devised rewards increase supply without compromising quality and safety. The EU's new regulation should prioritize self-sufficiency while ensuring safe and accessible supplies for all in need.
Scientists have discovered six proteins that can accurately diagnose tuberculosis (TB). The breakthrough study paves the way for a simple blood test to detect the bacteria, which could prevent millions of cases annually. TB is the world's deadliest infectious disease, killing over one million people each year.
A recent study by Japanese researchers found that donor diets can trigger allergic reactions in blood recipients, particularly in children with food allergies. The study suggests that preventive measures and countermeasures for allergic transfusion reactions could be developed to improve the safety of blood transfusions.
Researchers identified kynurenine as a key biomarker affecting RBC storage quality and efficacy. High levels of kynurenine indicate fragile blood, prone to rupture, while lower levels suggest better storage stability.
A new bioinfomatics pipeline has solved a 50-year-old mystery of variable blood group antigen levels. The study found that genetic variants in transcription factors can explain the low expression of CR1, an important protein for immune response.
New research shows that boosting the 'warm glow' feeling people experience after giving blood significantly increases repeat blood donations. This research, led by the University of Nottingham, highlights the importance of reinforcing feelings of gratitude and identity as a blood donor to encourage long-term helping behavior.
A new study suggests that cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a common cause of spontaneous brain hemorrhages, can be transmitted via blood transfusion. Patients who received blood from donors with CAA were more than twice as likely to suffer a brain hemorrhage themselves.
A large clinical trial of over 8,700 patients found that the sex of a donor has no effect on the survival of recipients of red blood cell transfusions. The study used a pragmatic approach to answer the question definitively and was conducted at a lower cost than typical trials.
Researchers developed a method to estimate seroprevalence using blood donation samples, offering insights into the first year of the COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil. The study found significant differences among regions and subgroups, highlighting the need for real-time tracking and forecasting of future waves.
A study found that individuals with blood group Rh(D) have a higher risk of contracting parvovirus, which causes fifth disease. The study screened over 160,000 blood donors in Germany and found all infected persons belonged to the Rh(D) blood group.
A randomized study of frequent blood donors found that iron deficiency in donors did not harm the quality of donated blood, nor did it negatively impact their health and quality of life. The study's results validate current donation practices, encouraging more people to become blood donors.
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has identified barriers and motivators to blood donation for people from ethnic minority groups in Ireland. Factors that motivate people from minority ethnic backgrounds to give blood include religious reasons and a desire to help others in their own communities.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that receiving red blood cells from female donors does not increase the risk of death in transfused patients. The study controlled for lower haemoglobin levels in women's blood and found no difference in survival rates between male and female donors.
Dr. Kenichi Miharada and his team received the grant to develop an in vitro red blood cell production method due to global blood shortage for transfusions. They have already established a semi-infinitely proliferating red blood cell source called immortalized human erythroblast cell line (ELLU cells), but face technical challenges.
Aston University researchers developed an AI model that can estimate daily Covid transmission rates using data from antibody tests in blood donors. The model provides a more refined view of infection rates and relative immunity compared to official measurements.
A study based on US blood donations found increasing seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over time, with variations by age, race, and geographic region. Seroprevalence estimates the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies due to natural infection or vaccination.
The study found SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 44% of blood donors aged 16 to 64 in Kenya. The results suggest that the virus may have circulated in the country before widespread reporting began.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 2,600 donors and 2,500 pregnant women to estimate past COVID-19 infection rates. The study found nearly all positive samples displayed virus-neutralizing responses, suggesting milder infections provide some protection against re-infection.
A study of 53,000 Danish blood donors found that hay fever and asthma rates have tripled since the 1970s, with symptoms occurring earlier in life. The large biobank provides valuable insights into genetic-environmental interactions and immune system responses.
Researchers from Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation and University of Michigan have created a portable 'lab on a chip' that can identify COVID-19 antibodies in human blood in just 15 minutes, significantly faster than current methods.
A survey found that most dog and cat owners are not aware of pet blood donation schemes and animal blood banks. Despite this, the majority would be willing to let their pets donate blood, suggesting increased awareness could boost donor numbers.
A large study of over 1 million patients found no association between red blood cell donation from previously pregnant women and increased risk of death among recipients. The research adds to the growing body of literature on blood donor characteristics and transfusion outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that blood donation programs can be used to screen for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic cholesterol condition. Researchers identified over 3,000 people with FH in the blood donation records of nearly 1.2 million donors.
Researchers analyzed data from 1.2 million donors to determine if blood donation programs could detect familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing high cholesterol and premature coronary artery disease. The study found that about 1 in every 339 donors met the criteria for the condition.
A new study found that adolescent female blood donors are more likely to have low iron stores and iron deficiency anemia. The researchers propose various measures to help this vulnerable population, including oral iron supplementation and increasing the minimum time interval between donations.
A recent Ohio University study found that individuals who experience fear while donating blood tend to overestimate the frequency of fainting and other adverse reactions. The study, conducted by Christopher R. France and Janis L. France, revealed a significant correlation between fear levels and exaggerated risk assessments.
The South African National Blood Service has increased the proportion of donations from black South Africans by fivefold since 2005. This significant improvement is attributed to the implementation of individual donation nucleic acid testing (NAT), which has reduced HIV transmission risks.
A recent study analyzed the impact of mass shootings on blood supply and demand for blood products. The research found that a call for immediate blood donation was unnecessary and resulted in wasted blood resources. The study suggests that cities develop protocols for mass casualty events, such as issuing calls for donations by ZIP code.
The article highlights the impact of mass shootings on blood donation rates and transfusion needs. A report by Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows that mass shootings can lead to a significant increase in blood component transfusions, with some hospitals requiring up to 2.7 units per admission.
A two-year study in Milan found that providing parents with information and 'nudges' to donate cord blood increased collection rates significantly. The study used behavioral science techniques to encourage expectant mothers to donate their baby's cord blood.
After a 10-year absence, Usutu virus has reemerged in both blackbirds and humans, particularly in Austria and Hungary. Genetic analysis reveals that the viruses circulating in these regions are closely related to those found in Italy, demonstrating inter-country transmission of viral strains.
A randomized trial of over 45,000 people found that frequent blood donation increased blood collected by 33% in men and 24% in women, with no major impact on quality of life or physical activity. However, some donors reported minor symptoms like tiredness and restless legs.
A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that Chagas disease significantly increases the risk of death, especially among those with cardiac complications. The study suggests that deaths from Chagas have been under-reported due to misdiagnosis and highlights the need for further research into new therapeutic options.
A study found that 0.11% of blood donations from Germany tested positive for hepatitis E virus RNA, a significant increase on previous reports. The discovery highlights the risk of transmission to immunocompromised individuals and calls for routine screening at blood donation centers.
A large Canadian study found associations between blood donor characteristics and recipient survival in red blood cell transfusions. Recipients of female donor red blood cells were eight percent more likely to die than those receiving male donor blood, while younger donors (17-20 years) also had increased mortality risks.
Research by Minjung Koo and Ayelet Fishbach found that giving something personal, such as blood or a signature, increases people's self-perception of generosity and commitment. This change in self-perception leads to increased likelihood of future donations.
Low-dose iron supplements significantly reduced time to recover from hemoglobin decrease in donors with low or high ferritin levels. Without iron, most participants took over 168 days to recover their iron stores. Regular blood donation leads to progressive iron loss and anemia, emphasizing the importance of prompt recovery.
A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that iron supplementation significantly reduced the time to recover lost iron and hemoglobin after blood donation. The study, supported by NHLBI, showed that donors taking iron supplements recovered lost iron more rapidly than those not receiving supplements.
Researchers found high rates of individuals testing positive for Chagas disease and related heart disease in Texas, with rates 50 times higher than CDC estimates. The study aims to increase awareness and diagnosis of this emerging infectious disease in the southern United States.
A systematic analysis of hepatitis E virus transmission by blood components found that about 1 in 3000 donors in England have the virus. Around 1200 HEV-containing blood components are likely to be transfused every year in England.
Austrian researchers found that fresh, young red blood cells can counterbalance the negative effects of jetlag on the cardiovascular system. Blood donations may help reduce the risk of heart disease in shift workers by stimulating the generation of new, healthy erythrocytes.
Researchers developed a novel molecular blood group typing technique that offers blood banks the possibility of extensive screening of blood donors at a relatively low cost. This technology can reduce adverse reactions and decrease blood bank costs by facilitating support for patients undergoing long-term transfusions.
A team of economists found that offering gift cards increased the likelihood of donating by 26-52%, and even motivated people to donate for the first time. The authors argue that such incentives can help address blood shortages, particularly in low-income countries where donations are scarce.
A study by University of Toronto Mississauga researchers found that offering economic incentives such as gift cards increased blood donations without compromising safety. The study used field-based studies with larger samples and found that incentives like paid vacation days led to a significant rise in annual blood donations.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered a new protein that controls the presence of the Vel blood group antigen on red blood cells. The discovery makes it possible to use simple DNA testing to find blood donors for patients who lack the Vel antigen and need a blood transfusion.
Researchers found that describing blood donations as a way to prevent a death rather than save a life significantly increased the rate of donations. Volunteers presented with 'prevention of loss' messages were also more likely to expect larger donations.
Researchers found that two bloodletting sessions improved blood pressure, glucose levels, and cholesterol ratios in obese individuals with metabolic syndrome. Blood donation may prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease in these patients.
A study found that thinking about one's own death increases concern for society, motivating people to donate blood. Participants who thought about their mortality were more likely to take a pamphlet, regardless of the article they read, suggesting a personal connection with death can enhance altruistic behavior.
A half-million dollar research grant aimed at relaxing the ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood has not been accessed by Canadian researchers. The authors argue that new screening methods can detect HIV and hepatitis B and C early enough to protect the blood supply from infection.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered that water increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, raising alertness, blood pressure, and energy expenditure. Drinking water may also reduce fainting responses in blood donors by 20 percent, according to the study.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests relaxing the ban on male blood donors who have had sex with men, citing a significant decrease in false negative test results. The proposed change could lead to an expansion of the blood donor pool, resulting in more units of blood available for transfusions.
A recent study published in the journal Transfusion found a significant increase in transfusion-transmitted babesiosis cases in Rhode Island, highlighting the need for better screening tests. The research suggests that blood donors from areas with high prevalence rates should be subject to more rigorous screening protocols.