What is the consequence of identifying a HIV positive donation during plasma screening?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The consequence of identifying an HIV-positive donation during plasma screening is that the donation will be discarded, and the donor will be notified. Plasma centers follow strict guidelines to prevent any risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens like HIV to recipients. If an HIV-positive result is detected, the plasma will not be used for therapeutic purposes or as a source for the production of blood products such as clotting factors or immunoglobulins.
Screening for HIV is one of the most crucial steps in ensuring the safety of the blood supply. It helps to protect patients who may need plasma-derived therapies from being exposed to the virus. The plasma screening typically involves testing for HIV antibodies or HIV RNA using advanced diagnostic methods, such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or nucleic acid testing (NAT). The detection of HIV during screening does not only prevent potential viral transmission but also assists in identifying HIV-positive individuals, who can then receive appropriate counseling and care.
In addition to the immediate consequence of discarding the plasma, the screening process also has a broader public health benefit. It helps to identify individuals at risk for HIV, enabling them to seek medical attention and possibly reduce further transmission of the virus. The identification of an HIV-positive donation may also lead to investigations into whether the donor was aware of their HIV status, and further checks can be made regarding their eligibility to donate in the future.
In some cases, plasma donation organizations may offer counseling or support services to the affected individuals, especially if they were unaware of their HIV status. By ensuring that plasma donations are safe and free of HIV, blood banks and plasma collection centers play an essential role in maintaining the health of both donors and recipients.