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PA21.1-6 | Welcome to Transfusion-Transmitted Infections
Learning Objectives
- State why transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) are classified as iatrogenic and preventable.
- List the five mandatory NACO screening tests for every blood donation in India and the organism/test for each.
- Explain the window period concept and how nucleic acid testing (NAT) shortens it.
- Describe the infectious risk from CMV, HTLV, bacterial contamination, and emerging agents.
- Outline the multi-layer prevention strategy: donor deferral, serology, NAT, pathogen reduction, and appropriate use.
INSTRUCTIONS
Blood transfusion saves lives — but every unit carries a small, measurable infectious risk. India processes over 12 million units per year. Understanding what we screen for, why window periods matter, and which gaps remain is a core clinical-pathology competency that directly affects patient safety decisions you will make as a doctor.
References
- Robbins & Kumar: Basic Pathology, 11th ed., Ch 13 (Red Cell Disorders) (textbook)
- Harsh Mohan: Textbook of Pathology, 7th ed., Ch 12 (textbook)
- NACO/NBTC: Standards for Blood Banks & Blood Transfusion Services, 2022 (guideline)
Version 2.0 | NMC CBUC 2024