POST ANALYSIS IDENTIFICATION OF TRANSFUSION TRANSMISSIBLE INFECTIONS (TTI’S) AMONG SCREENED BLOOD DONOR SAMPLES FROM 2016 – 2020 IN SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN NUEVA ECIJA

Abstract

This study examined transfusion transmissible infection risk and cases in Nueva Ecija tertiary hospitals over five years. It aimed to help medical technologists, blood banks, and blood supply institutions test TTIs carefully. This enhances testing, donor recruitment, and selection. It also reduces the chance of spreading bacteria that kill and infect transfusion patients. The study utilized descriptive and ex post facto types of research. A descriptive and qualitative content analysis was used in the study, in which data were analyzed and theories applied to the research findings as a guide for conclusions. Results revealed that males are more frequent blood donors compared to females, the age group 25–44 was said to be the dominant blood donor group, and the blood donation type that was being implemented among the respondent hospitals was the replacement policy. Furthermore, it conveyed that the greatest number of cases of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) among screened blood donor samples in selected tertiary hospitals in the province of Nueva Ecija from 2016–2020 were Hepatitis B infections (HBsAg). The study further recommended that communities be educated about blood transfusion, blood donation, and the benefits of blood donor recruitment so that people will become interested and motivated in the blood donation program. The volunteer policy regarding blood donation and donor eligibility should be strictly implemented for the careful selection of blood donors, which would lower the risk of transfusing and transmitting blood products during the window period.