AEGiS-05IAC: Temporal trends of HIV prevalence in blood donors and use of blood banks as testing sites in Latium (Italy).

5th International AIDS Conference

Montreal, Quebec, Canada — Jun 4-9, 1989

Temporal trends of HIV prevalence in blood donors and use of blood banks as testing sites in Latium (Italy).

Int Conf AIDS 1989 Jun 4-9; 5:165 (abstract no. A.527)
Perucci CA, Arca M, Abeni D, Chierchini P; Regional Epidemiologic Unit, Rome, Italy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes over time in number and characteristics of blood donors and their effect on observed prevalence trends of HIV infection and to evaluate the effectiveness of screening programmes.

METHODS: In the Latium region (about 5,000,000 inhab.) screening of every donated blood unit has been mandatory since October 1985. Diagnostic activity for non-donors is still offered by a number of blood banks. Data on number of screened units and positive test results, in occasional and periodic donors, are monthly reported by blood banks to R.E.U. together with anonymous notifications of every positive test result.

RESULTS: TABULAR DATA, SEE ABSTRACT VOLUME.

CONCLUSIONS: Number of donated blood units has not significantly decreased; donations from periodic donors increased, while those from occasional ones decreased in 1988. A strong opposite trend is evident for prevalence in the compared donor classes. Even though the proportion of HIV+ reported by blood banks among donors has dramatically decreased, data suggest a still high use of blood donation as a way of obtaining an HIV test. More information on self referral, and an increased availability of alternative testing sites are needed to ensure safety of blood transfusions.

Keywords: AEGIS, Blood Banks, Blood Donors, Prevalence, HIV Infections, Blood Transfusion, Mass Screening, Blood-Borne Pathogens, Italy, utilization, trends, epidemiology, blood, ICA5

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A527