[NAT screening of viral infections in donors enhances blood safety].

The first experience in introducing the nucleic acid amplification technique (NAT) in an Indian blood service as compared with the established European practice is analyzed. Examination of 12,224 donor blood samples revealed 217 (1.78%) persons with markers of infections, including 8 (0.

[Technologies and control of cleanness of the rooms in the blood center].

To prevent bacterial contamination of blood transfusion media, the following three types of rooms in blood service institutions should meet especially high requirements for cleanness: 1. Box and its foreroom (or room equipped with laminar cabinet) for open-air preparation of washed red blood cells or other blood components. 2.

[The verification of the results of screening antibodies to hepatitis C virus in blood donors].

6,744 persons were examined for the presence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) before blood donation (4,219 persons in Moscow and 2,525 persons in St. Petersburg). The serum samples found to contain antibodies to HCV were additionally studied by the immunoblot techniques.

[Power-consumption for storage of donor plasma].

Costs of electric power used for storage of freshly frozen plasma (FFP) were compared for refrigerators most widely used in Russian medical facilities. The minimal costs (2763.43 R) are those obtained for storage of 5000 FFP units in 12 plasma freezers, MDF-U536 (Sanyo, Japan).