Saima Naz, Malik Mohammad Umair, Abdul Hameed.
Evolution of Blood Banks of Islamabad in Ten Years (2006 -2016).
Ann Pak Inst Med Sci Jan ;14(2):128-34.

Objectives: To assess the evolution of screening and associated practices in blood banks of Pakistan between 2006 & 2016 through a study in Islamabad. To identify shortcomings that still remain and discuss their fallouts on TTIs while suggesting practical improvements. Methodology: Data was collected twice, once in 2006 and then 10 years later, using structured questionnaires and specifically prepared checklists. Both public and private sector Blood banks of Islamabad were included in our survey. Results: Overall, practices were observed to have improved considerably with time. It was observed that 65% blood banks in Islamabad were screening samples for all five viral diseases i.e. HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Malaria and Syphilis in 2016; reflecting significant improvement in TTI coverage as compared to 2006 when only 22 % blood banks were found screening for all five markers. Though variations in the parameters being screened, techniques being employed, procedures being followed and care being exercised by different blood banks still existed, improvement in these aspects was also evident. Conclusion: The study revealed that screening & associated practices in vein - vein transmission chain have improved considerably in 10 years. Although both public and private sector blood banks were still found to have some issues even in 2016; the gaps identified in the screening practices are very bridgeable now. Bridging these gaps can go a long way in preventing TTIs.

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