Bacteriological Safety of Blood Collected for Transfusion at University of Gondar Hospital Blood Bank, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background. Transfusion associated bacterial infection has remained more frequent with a sever risk of morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the bacteriological safety of blood collected for transfusion. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted at University of Gondar hospital blood bank from December 2011 to June 2012. Bacterial isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done as per the standard procedure. Chi-square test and P value were used to assess associations between risk factors and the bacterial isolation rate. Results. Twenty-one (15.33%) blood units were found contaminated with bacteria, and 95.24% contamination was due to external sources. The commonly isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Streptococci species, Enterobacter species, and Citrobacter species. All of the bacteria isolated were 100% sensitive to Gentamicin, Chloramphenicol, Amoxicillin, and Doxycycline. Multiple antimicrobial resistances were observed in 66.7% of the isolates. Not using glove by phlebotomist, touching disinfected phlebotomy site and double puncture at the same hand or both hands of a donor were found to be risk factors for bacterial contamination. Conclusion. Bacterial contamination of blood to be transfused is a common problem in the hospital. So attention should be given to activities performed at the blood bank for safe transfusion practices.

Bacterial contaminants of stored blood and blood components ready for transfusion at blood banks in Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia

“…In the study, the prevalence of bacterial contamination of blood and blood component was 9.2%. The bacterial contamination on this study is lower than other similar studies done in Gondar and Debre Markos [19, 20], Ghana; 17.5% [17] and Egypt 17.9% [25]. However, result of this study is relatively higher than study conducted in America; 0.2% [10], UK; 0.15%, [11], France; 0.1 [12], Zimbabwe; 3.1% [26], Uganda; 3.5% [27].…”

“…Other studies from sub-Saharan African countries showed that the prevalence of contamination of donated blood is higher than that of developed countries [14–19]. Except few studies done in Gonder and Debre Markos [20, 21], bacterial contamination of donated blood in Ethiopia has not been given due attention unlike that of transfusion-transmitted viral infection.…”

<p>Assessment of the quality of stored blood for transfusion at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Southwestern Uganda</p>

“…Data from published studies have reported a high risk of transfusion-associated bacterial contamination; for example, a study conducted among 80 refrigerated blood units in Ghana found a 17.5% contamination with bacteria 15. In Ethiopia, bacterial contamination was reported at 15.33% and 12.5%,16,17 and 3.5% in Mbarara Regional Blood Bank, Uganda 3. These studies affirm a high burden and risk of unsafe donor blood; however, there are no novel approaches and improvements in the existing practices to limit and avert the associated risk in developing settings.…”

Phlebotomy and quality in the African laboratory

“…Some staff members may not wear or change gloves 23 between patients, either because of limited supply or lack of training and supervision. In some cases, staff members have expressed concern that they would not be able to feel a vein with gloves on.…”

“…In some cases, staff members have expressed concern that they would not be able to feel a vein with gloves on. Touching the incision site to find the vein after alcohol swabbing is common 23 and can expose the patient to risk of infection.…”