Transfusion-associated adverse events incidence and severity after the implementation of an active hemovigilance program with 24 h follow-up. A prospective cohort study.

Background: Hemovigilance (HV) is usually based on voluntary reports (passive HV). Our aim is to ascertain credible incidence, severity, and mortality of transfusion-associated adverse events (TAAEs) using an active HV program.

Study Design And Methods: Prospective cohort study to estimate transfusion risk after 46,488 transfusions in 5830 patients, using an active HV program with follow-up within the first 24 h after transfusion.

Detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core-specific antibody suggests occult HCV infection among blood donors.

Background: Blood transfusion safety is based on reliable donor screening for transmissible infections such as the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Study Design And Methods: A novel HCV core-specific antibody was assayed on random single donations from 2007 first-time blood donors who tested negative for anti-HCV and HCV RNA on routine screening. Sample collection broke the code between donations and donors for ethical reasons.