Transfusion
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The objective was to evaluate the performance of nucleic acid testing (NAT) in the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive blood donations. ⋯ These results demonstrate that HBV-NAT in ID format is far more effective in detecting viremia in chronic HBsAg carriers than in MP-NAT. The sensitivity of the NAT assay needs to be improved to be considered for replacing the current HBsAg assays, especially when anti-HBc testing is not performed.
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Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are crucial for the care of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. These infants frequently require multiple, small-volume RBC transfusions, with potential exposure to multiple donors. Optimal protocols provide dedicated RBC units to reduce exposures and avoid RBC wastage. ⋯ Few VLBW infants use an entire RBC unit. One dedicated unit shared by two or more infants should meet their transfusion needs. GA, BW, and markers of illness severity predict increased RBC volume requirements.