Infectious disease testing for blood transfusions
Article Abstract:
A National Institutes of Health Consensus Panel convened in 1995 recommended changing a few blood testing procedures after an extensive literature review. The panel recommended discontinuing the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test. This test was developed to indirectly detect blood contaminated with a virus that was eventually identified as hepatitis C virus (HCV). A direct test for this virus has eliminated the need for ALT. The anti-HBc test was also used to indirectly test for HCV, but it may still be useful for detecting the hepatitis B virus. Syphilis testing should be continued because some blood samples are not stored refrigerated, which would eliminate the organism. The decision to develop a blood test for emerging diseases should be based on how the organism is transmitted and whether the disease is a serious public health problem. The best strategies are to change the donor interview to exclude those with a high risk of being infected and to develop new blood tests.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Infectious Mononucleosis in Middle Age
Article Abstract:
The case of a 42-year-old man illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing infectious mononucleosis in adults. He developed a prolonged illness marked by fever, fatigue, diarrhea, and hepatitis. Despite repeated visits to doctors, mononucleosis was not suspected until three weeks after his symptoms began. About 90% of all adults have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus, most during childhood. This virus causes infectious mononucleosis. Most children do not develop symptoms. When adults develop infectious mononucleosis, the symptoms can be very unusual. The infection can also cause unusual complications. Most people get better without treatment.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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Prescription for Prophecy: Confronting the Ambiguity of Susceptibility Testing
Article Abstract:
Disease susceptibility tests based on genetic screening largely indicate a risk or certainty of developing a condition for which no cure is available. Many patients who seek genetic screening do not find the result to be comforting or helpful. Patients with progressive conditions may benefit from foreknowledge, allowing them time to plan for their disability or death and reorder their life priorities. Physicians must be aware that some patients will not desire to know the outcome of tests.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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