Improved screening of donor’s blood for malaria : a Qatari experience

Abstract EN

Malaria is one of the most widespread infections glo¬bally and is undoubtedly responsible for the majority of all cases of transfusion-transmitted disease in the world.

Qatar is free from endemic malaria.

However; cases are seen with the large expatriate work force imported from malarious areas.

These constitute a significant percent of the blood donors' pool (34 %).

Over a 27-mo nth period, among 5845 volunteers tested for malaria, 21 were deferred (0.36 %) showing positive result when screened by the Giemsa- stained thick smear technique, with 2 undiagnosed cases that led to transfusion-transmitted malaria.

Since then and for the last 21 months, the Falciparum-Spot immunofluo¬rescence (IF) test was implemented in an attempt to en¬sure accurate screening.

Among 6367 donors tested, 274 (4.3 %) were deferred.

Careful questioning about donor travel history, expansion of deferral policy and the use of a more sensitive screening test have all resulted in increas¬ing layers of safety where no transfusion-transmitted ma¬laria was reported in the last 21 months.

These measures were necessary to regain the trust of the public in the safety and stewardship of the blood supply.