Estimated Risk of HIV Transmission by Blood Transfusion in Ban-Pong Hospital

Abstract

          AIDS is the most serious disease among infectious diseases transmissible through blood transfusion. In spite of screening for both HIV-antibody and antigen, one can't expect absolute prevention of HIV-related transfusion. Both technical and human errors may cause false result.

          The prevalence of HIV-infected person among blood donors determines the risk of HIV related transfusion.

          Review of the prevalence of HIV infection in blood donor group and other risk and non-risk groups in Ban-Pong hospital, during 3 years (Oct 1992-Sept 1995), we estimated that the risk of getting HIV infection through 1 unit of blood transfusion is 1 :1,390 in 1993, 1 :907 in 1994, and 1 :1, 390 in 1995.

          Good Laboratory standard, careful selection of blood donors may help decrease the risk. However, autologous transfusion is the best method to avoid HIV-related transfusion.