Six-year slowing noted in previously growing rate of US blood collections, transfusions

Article Abstract:

Since 1982, the availability of blood and the rate of blood donation has decreased; prior to that time, blood donation had been increasing. Although there are no critical shortages as yet, officials are concerned about the nation's blood reserve. A significant drop in blood donation was noted in survey data taken from the American National Red Cross, the American Association of Blood Banks and the Council of Community Blood Centers. However, many hospitals are not associated with the American Association of Blood Banks and data from them is missing. To estimate this missing segment of data, an additional survey was conducted of the 4,000 nonaffiliated hospitals. This study calculates the rate of donation for every person between the age of 18 and 65, which approximates the population who donates blood. Although the absolute number of units of blood transfused since 1982 has risen, the relative number of donations has not kept pace with general population increases. While the rate of increase in transfusion of whole blood and plasma has been relatively modest, the number of units of platelets transfused rose nearly 50 percent between 1982 and 1986. When the rate of transfusion (in percent) for each 1,000 population is studied, it is clear that the rate of transfusion of all blood products has clearly decreased. Worry about contamination of blood products with serious viruses appears to influence the use of blood products. To some degree, the decreased availability of blood has been matched by a decreased demand. However, there has been a 250 percent increase in the amount of autologous blood donation (blood collected from an individual to be used in the future by that same individual). The availability of blood has been decreased further by more complete screening for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis and T-cell lymphotropic viruses; this results in more blood being discarded because of contamination.

Blood collection and preservation, Reports, Statistics, Surveys, AIDS (Disease), Blood transfusion, Blood banks, Surgenor, Douglas M.

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Will more donor questions make blood safer?

Article Abstract:

Screening potential blood donors to determine their risk of carrying certain infectious diseases will be increasingly done by oral interviews, rather than by establishing donors' geographic or national origins. The interviews will ask questions about behaviors known to place people at risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), associated with AIDS. The decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to modify its instructions to blood banks came as a result of changes in the epidemiology of AIDS; the American Red Cross, which collects half the blood used in the US, will also follow the new screening procedure. The risk categories for AIDS have now expanded to include heterosexuals and women in addition to homosexuals and intravenous drug abusers. Donors' behavior will be the focus of the oral screening procedure; questions concern sexual activity and risk behaviors. The director of the Red Cross blood program believes that people are more likely to exclude themselves in an oral interview than when they complete a written questionnaire. The new approach is also supported by the National Hemophilia Foundation, although this group urges testing for hepatitis C virus in plasma derivatives as well as in blood (hemophiliacs, afflicted with a hereditary blood clotting disorder, need plasma derivatives). The Foundation does not support eliminating geographical exclusions for certain donor groups, and believes the FDA should act faster to approve new products for hemophiliacs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Methods, Testing, Social policy, HIV infection, HIV infections, Medical screening, Health screening, Blood donors, Blood donation, Hemophiliacs, American Red Cross, National Hemophilia Foundation

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Growing use of medicinal botanicals forces assessment by drug regulators

Article Abstract:

The medicinal use of botanicals is increasing and regulatory action is required to ensure that plant-based products are safe and effective. The National Institute of Health's Office of Alternative Medicine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other groups with interests in botanicals met recently to discuss the integration of plant-based products into conventional medicine. Botanical sales in the U.S. reached $1.5 billion in the 1990s and are expected to increase by 15% each year. Most of these products have not been subjected to the rigorous safety and effectiveness tests required for FDA approval. Manufacturers may forego such testing because of the high costs of research and a lack of patent protection. In addition, botanicals have a long history of use and thorough testing may not be necessary. Participants at the meeting supported responsible self-regulation by the botanical industry and guidelines to ensure product quality.

Evaluation, Laws, regulations and rules, Pharmaceutical industry, Medicinal plants, Medicine, Herbal, Herbal medicine, Materia medica, Vegetable, Plant extracts

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