International Journal of Medical Laboratory Research (IJMLR)

COVID-19 AND BLOOD BANK: ROLE OF PATHOGEN INACTIVATION

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N Bansal, Y Bansal

 

ABSTRACT: In December 2019, a new coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2) causing pneumonia was detected in Wuhan, China. The recognition of newly described infectious agents poses a threat to blood safety. In a study on COVID-19 patients, RNAaemia (presence of 2019-nCoV RNA in plasma of the patient) has been seen in 15% (6/41) of the cases. Therefore, because of a long asymptomatic but viremic phase there is a theoretical risk of transmission of COVID-19 through blood transfusion and careful surveillance is required with regards to blood safety. We highlight the role of incorporation of pathogen inactivation techniques in blood components to prevent transfusion transmission of newer emerging pathogens.

 

KEY WORDS: Coronavirus; Pathogen Inactivation; Newer emerging pathogens

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