Emerging infectious diseases and blood donation

Abstract

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) require vigilance from blood banks everywhere. As EIDs spread to new areas and populations, blood banks are forced to re‐evaluate safety measures continually. Screening, pathogen inactivation and deferral policies must be balanced against supply, safety and cost‐effectiveness. One size does not fit all, and blood banks must adjust to local needs and conditions when considering initiation or halting of screening, pathogen inactivation or deferral procedures to balance between demand/supply, safety and economy.