Commonwealth _ In a significant assurance to patients and healthcare providers, the Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe, confirmed that World Health Organization (WHO) high-tech test methods effectively ensure the safety of blood transfusions by detecting the presence of blood-borne germs. This announcement comes at a time when concerns about blood safety and the risk of transmission of diseases like HIV/AIDS have heightened, especially given the rising global infection rates.
Dr. Edirisinghe emphasized that these WHO-endorsed test methods are designed to confirm the health status of blood donors before their blood is used for transfusions. The rigorous screening process identifies potential health risks associated with five major diseases: Malaria, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. These diseases, if undetected, can pose severe risks to recipients of blood transfusions, potentially leading to the transmission of life-threatening infections. The testing methods employed by the NBTS align with global best practices, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s blood transfusion system is equipped to detect and prevent the transmission of these infectious diseases. “Special high-tech tests are used to identify any conditions the donor might have,” said Dr. Edirisinghe, reinforcing the commitment to rigorous screening procedures that protect patients.
Of particular concern is the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which, according to Dr. Edirisinghe, has risen globally to an alarming 4% to 5%. This uptick underscores the critical importance of testing blood donors to prevent the inadvertent transfer of HIV/AIDS through transfusions. By applying WHO’s high-tech test methods, the NBTS can effectively screen out any blood donations from HIV-positive individuals, safeguarding the blood supply. Blood transfusion services around the world, including Sri Lanka’s, play a pivotal role in ensuring that the blood supply remains safe and free of infectious agents. The use of advanced testing methods is a cornerstone of this mission, as it helps minimize the risks associated with blood transfusions and ensures the overall safety of healthcare procedures that require blood products.
In addition to HIV/AIDS, the screening also focuses on other dangerous infections. Malaria, caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites, can lead to severe complications if passed through transfusions. Syphilis, a bacterial infection typically spread through sexual contact, can also be transmitted through blood if proper precautions aren’t taken. Similarly, Hepatitis B and C, both of which are viral infections that can cause serious liver damage, pose substantial risks if undetected in blood donations.
The global prevalence of these infections, particularly HIV/AIDS, has made it necessary for all countries to adopt stringent testing methods for blood donations. This is where WHO’s high-tech test methods come into play, serving as the most reliable way to confirm whether or not a donor is infected with these diseases. Dr. Edirisinghe reiterated that these methods are the gold standard used by advanced healthcare systems worldwide to maintain the highest levels of blood safety.
The rigorous screening process is not only important for the immediate safety of blood transfusion recipients but also for maintaining the long-term integrity and trust in the healthcare system. As medical advancements continue and the demand for blood transfusions rises, ensuring a safe and reliable blood supply becomes increasingly critical. Dr. Edirisinghe concluded by reaffirming that the use of WHO’s high-tech testing procedures is an essential component of the NBTS’s operations. These methods, he noted, have been proven effective and are widely used in the most advanced healthcare systems globally. They represent the most reliable means of ensuring that blood transfusions remain safe and free of harmful infections.
