Articles tagged with Blood Donation
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.
A new study from Canada found that young adults are the most likely to donate blood, but this trend may not be sustainable due to an aging population. The research also highlights positive ties between level of education and ability to speak English with donation likelihood.
A church-based initiative in St. Louis increased first-time African-American blood donations by 60%, with nearly 700 participants donating blood over three years. The Sickle Cell Sabbath Program educated predominantly African-American churches about sickle cell disease and its benefits, leading to more donors.
Sixteen- and 17-year-olds are more likely to experience donation-related complications such as fainting and bruising compared to older donors. Complications were found in 10.7% of donations by teens, with injuries from fainting being uncommon but severe enough to require medical care.
Recent studies suggest that preoperative chemotherapy can be effective in early breast cancer treatment, but individual responses may vary. Additionally, a case-control study found no increased risk of cancer among frequent blood donors. Furthermore, researchers have identified a novel mechanism to overcome resistance to targeted thera...
A recent study found that one in every 1,300 blood donors tested positive for dengue virus in Puerto Rico, highlighting the risk of transfusion-associated transmission. The disease is also grossly underreported globally, with an estimated 8 million cases and nearly 20,000 deaths projected annually.
A University of Minnesota study found that only 37% of the US population is eligible to donate blood, a significant decrease from the previously estimated 177 million. The conventional method overestimated the national pool by 59%, mainly due to factors like chronic diseases and high-risk behaviors.
A new study reveals that only 37% of the US population is eligible to donate blood, with approximately 60 million fewer individuals being eligible than previously thought. The lower donor pool estimate is based on a more stringent model that excludes high-risk individuals and those with chronic diseases.
A study in South Africa found that implementing a blood safety program, including education and targeted outreach, significantly reduced the prevalence of HIV-1 in blood donations. The program resulted in a 50% decrease in HIV-1 positivity rates over two years.
A study of 4535 medical records found that autologous blood donation programs were used in only 18.6% of patients, despite being eligible, and reinfusion of blood was used in just 2.4% of all cases. Experts recommend greater cooperation among anesthetists, surgeons, and transfusionists to improve blood conservation techniques.
A study found hemochromatosis patients' blood is as safe as other donated blood, potentially alleviating a national blood shortage. The research suggests that patients with the condition can donate without increasing the risk of viral infections.
A Kenyan study found that inconsistent refrigeration, data-entry errors, and equipment failure contribute to HIV transmission through blood transfusions. The study led to the implementation of rapid HIV test kits, laboratory training programs, and universal screening of all blood donations to improve blood safety.
A study by Ohio University health psychologists found that first-time blood donors who used an audiovisual program were less likely to experience symptoms of feeling faint. The program, which included 3D visuals and upbeat music, was more effective in distracting blunters from their stressors than monitors who received no distraction.
The US blood supply is considered extremely safe, with the risk of contracting viruses such as HIV being estimated at one in 676,000. However, a growing aging population will lead to increased demands on the blood supply, resulting in a potential shortage, and more units may need to be imported from abroad.
A study from Ohio University predicts which donors are more sensitive to medical procedures, enabling stress-reducing techniques to be applied. The 10-question form identifies high-risk donors, who can benefit from shorter questionnaires and targeted interventions.