Transfusion-Acquired HIV: History, Evolution of Screening, Tests and Current Challenges of Unreported Antiretroviral drug use in Brazil

25 Aug Transfusion-Acquired HIV: History, Evolution of Screening, Tests and Current Challenges of Unreported Antiretroviral drug use in Brazil

Prevention of HIV acquisition by blood transfusion from its emergence to the present day is reviewed, and current challenges are delineated. The experience of Fundação Pró-Sangue/Hemocentro de São Paulo, Brazil, is highlighted in the quest for improvements in blood safety and the evolutionof increasingly sensitive and specific screening tests. Concerns and establishing stringent criteria in the screening of potential blood donors are emphasized, and the current criteria for identifying and deferring candidates at high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases are summarized.