JHAPA, May 9: HIV infection (reactive) has been detected in the blood of 29 donors over the past five fiscal years in Jhapa, according to the Nepal Red Cross Society’s Jhapa branch.
The cases were identified during mandatory laboratory testing at blood transfusion service centres operated by the organization in Bhadrapur, Birtamod, and Damak.
The blood samples were tested for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis before being cleared for transfusion to patients.
World Blood Donor Day 2019: ‘Safe blood for all
Shishir Dahal, in charge of the Bhadrapur Blood Transfusion Service Centre, said one donor tested HIV positive in fiscal year 2078/79. The number increased to two in 2079/80, six in 2080/81, 14 in 2081/82, and six in 2082/83.
He said that if a blood sample is found to be HIV reactive during screening, the donor is referred for further testing and counseling for confirmation.
According to Dahal, more than 17,000 units of safe blood are supplied annually to hospitals in Jhapa through the Nepal Red Cross Society’s blood transfusion service centres.
There are more than 5,000 voluntary blood donors in the district. However, blood shortages frequently occur during the monsoon season and peak farming periods due to fewer blood donation programmes.
Officials say the demand for blood is increasing with the rising number of patients suffering from cancer, kidney disease, anemia, and other illnesses.
The Red Cross stated that pre- and post-donation testing procedures play a vital role in protecting patients from potential infections.
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