TABLE 2.
Strategies for mitigating risk of TTB
| Intervention | Current status | Perceived effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| “History of babesiosis” | Included in UDHQa | Largely ineffective; most donors unaware of infection |
| Risk factor questions | Not currently used | Lack specificity and sensitivity |
| Blood screening | ||
| Serological testing | Research IFA testing only | Licensed, automated, high-throughput assay unavailable |
| Nucleic acid testing | Research PCR only | Targets window period infections, but negative result does not preclude infection |
| Pathogen reduction | Feasibility demonstrated | Technology not licensed in the United States |
| Technology not currently applicable to whole blood or red cells | ||
| Leukoreduction | Most blood leukoreduced | Ineffective for intraerythrocytic agents; TTB cases reported |
| Irradiation | Intermittent use | Parasite survives; TTB cases reported |
a
UDHQ, uniform donor health history questionnaire.