Participation of HIV-infected patients in autologous blood programs
Article Abstract:
HIV-infected patients should also be allowed to participate in autologous blood transfusion programs. Through autologous blood collection, people provide and receive their own blood during elective surgery. Currently, whether people infected with HIV should be permitted to provide autologous blood is decided by individual blood collection and hospital transfusion services. Opponents say the risk of infecting an uninfected person during transfusion does not justify the benefits of autologous blood use among HIV patients. One study found that 90% of those who inadvertently received HIV-infected blood during transfusion became infected with HIV. Furthermore, incorrect identification of the patient who is to receive the blood is the most common mistake in blood transfusion. Those in favor of permitting HIV-infected patients to participate say these patients should not be denied what is commonly considered to a be a safer standard of care. Also, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, denying participation in these programs to HIV patients could be viewed as discrimination.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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The nation's changing blood supply system
Article Abstract:
The increasing demands on the nation's blood supply system from the public, Congress and FDA come at a time when the system is facing shrinking funds and the need for structural reorganization. The AIDS epidemic has focused national attention on the safety of the nation's blood supply and has increased the work load and operating costs. In the 50 years prior to 1985, blood banks used only one or two tests to screen blood for hepatitis B and syphilis. Since 1985, six more tests have been added. Blood banks are facing a number of lawsuits filed by patients who were infected with HIV through transfusions before HIV screening tests became available. The interaction with blood donors has changed too. Once viewed as altruists, donors are now weeded out and are asked specific questions regarding sexual behavior and other risk behaviors. Donations to the nation's supply have declined because of fears of disease transmission, and self-blood donation and directed blood donation have increased.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Preoperative autologous blood donations before elective hysterectomy
Article Abstract:
Preoperative autologous blood donations (PAD) may be unnecessary and even potentially dangerous in women undergoing a hysterectomy. PAD involves donating blood before an operation which is then given back during and after the operation. Because it is the patient's own blood, there is less risk of contracting a blood-borne infection. In a study of 263 women undergoing a hysterectomy, those who pre-donated their own blood were much more likely to require a transfusion than those who did not. This was primarily because the donation made them anemic, which has serious health consequences.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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