Assessment of the impact of pathogen reduction technologies on the neutralizing activity of COVID-19 convalescent plasma.

COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) could improve the clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients when high-titer CCP is administered in early stages of disease. However, CCP donors have a risk profile like first-time donors, pathogen reduction treatment (PRT) may mitigate such risk but should not impact CCP quality. The current study aims to assess the impact of PRT-technologies available in Saudi Arabia on the neutralizing activity of CCP.

Association of blood group with COVID-19 disease susceptibility and severity in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Novel SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus has rapidly spread worldwide and was declared a pandemic, making identifying and prioritizing individuals most at risk a critical challenge. The literature describes an association between blood groups and the susceptibility to various viral infections and their severity. Knowing if a specific blood group has more susceptibility to COVID-19 may help improve understanding the pathogenesis and severity of the disease.

How to improve issuing, transfusion and follow-up of blood components in Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries? A benchmark assessment.

To determine the existence of guidelines regarding the appropriate clinical use of blood and blood components, transfusion requests, and blood issuing/reception documents and procedures. The different bedside transfusion organizations/processes and hemovigilance are also analyzed. The ultimate objective is to identify safe potential options in order to improve blood safety at the lowest cost.

Awareness about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and challenges for blood services among potential blood donors.

Background: The Coronavirus- 19 disease pandemic had a significant impact on the blood supply around the world. Physical distancing measures and many other factors contribute to this impact. Misinformation about methods of disease transmission and lack of knowledge among potential blood donors may contribute to this.

The value of transfusion of phenotyped blood units for thalassemia and sickle cell anemia patients at an academic center.

Background: Blood transfusion is the first-line treatment for patients with thalassemia and many sickle cell patients. However, cases of unregulated blood transfusion are shown to carry a high risk of alloimmunization to red blood cells (RBCs), which can lead to a hemolytic transfusion reaction and be fatal to patients. Screening and identification of alloantibodies are, therefore, essential practice in blood transfusion services.

Quality and safety measures in transfusion practice: The experience of eight southern/eastern Mediterranean countries.

Background And Objectives: Blood transfusion is inherently associated with risks, and little is known regarding the available quality and safety measures in developing countries. No studies or census has been carried out, and therefore, no data on this compelling issue are available.

Materials And Methods: Data emanating from eight Arabic eastern/southern Mediterranean countries who responded to five surveys were collected and tabulated.

How to manage transfusion systems in developing countries: The Experience of Eastern and Southern Mediterranean countries.

Objectives: To outline and analyse the national organisation, infrastructure and management of transfusion systems in countries sharing common historical, cultural and economic features and to decipher management trends, in order to potentially benchmark.

Background: Little is known regarding transfusion systems in Eastern/southern Mediterranean at a time international organisations are calling for the establishment of a safe and sustainable blood system.

Materials And Methods: Data emanating from eight Arabic-speaking Eastern/Southern Mediterranean countries who responded to five surveys were collected and tabulated.