Consideration of Discontinuance of Malaria Antibody Test for Blood Donor Screening

Abstract

Background: Since 2001, the Korean Red Cross has performed malaria antibody test for blood donors in malaria-risk areas to prevent transfusion-transmitted malaria. However, due to insufficient sensitivity and specificity the malaria antibody assay is not considered an efficient screening method. Therefore, we have considered discontinuing malaria antibody testing for blood donors. Methods: We analyzed the results of malaria antibody test from 2001 to 2014 utilizing data from the Blood Information Management System of the Korean Red Cross. Results: Among 16,650,812 donations tested from 2001 to 2014, 50,143 donations (0.30%) showed positive results. However, there was no truly infected case at the time of donation. The positive rate among blood donations was between 34 and 39 per 10,000 in 2001, but between 9 and 10 per 10,000 in 2014. There was no interregional disparity in the positive rate of blood donations. Conclusion: Korea is in a malaria elimination phase and malaria antibody testing in limited areas is not effective, therefore we propose discontinuing the malaria antibody test.