Blood donor screening. Factors influencing decision making

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Transfusion-transmitted infections pose a significant risk.
• Ensuring blood supply safety requires careful donor selection and testing.
• Public perception influences participation in blood donation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess expert and public opinions on blood donor selection and testing strategies.
• To identify key considerations for reducing transfusion-transmitted disease risk.
• To evaluate the balance between safety, donor pool impact, and cost.

Main Methods:

• Distribution of two distinct questionnaires to transfusion medicine professionals (experts) and the general public (nonexperts).
• Comparative analysis of expert and public perceptions regarding blood transfusion safety measures.
• Identification of critical factors influencing risk-reduction strategies.

Main Results:

• Both experts and the public prioritize recipient safety.
• Key concerns include the impact of testing on donor availability, donor deferral effects, and associated costs.
• A consensus exists on the need to consider both benefits and costs of risk-reduction strategies.

Conclusions:

• Balancing blood safety with donor pool sustainability and cost-effectiveness is essential.
• Comprehensive evaluation of risk-reduction strategies is necessary for optimal healthcare.
• Informing policy requires understanding both expert and public perspectives on blood safety.