Before their first donation, every potential donor is tested for their ABO blood group, Rh and haemoglobin level to avoid injuring donor’s health and to ensure collection of quality blood components.
Donor’s haemoglobin level is checked before each donation and several blood samples are taken during each donation to run lab test to detect any signs of HIV, hepatitis C or B or syphilis in donor’s blood. Those are indicated by:
- Viral hepatitis B antigen
- Hepatitis C antibodies
- HIV I/II antibodies
- Syphilis antibodies
People may not feel any change in their health and disease markers are undetectable for some time after getting
infected, that is why donors’ blood is additionally tested using molecular testing methods to detect HIV or hepatitis DNA or RNA which can reveal the infections at a very early stage.
For transfusions, blood components derived from donors’ blood are selected based on their ABO blood group, Rh and other antigen compatibility. That is why, if there are no infection markers in each donor’s blood, our laboratory repeatedly determines ABO and Rh in every donation and compares the results with our Donor Database.
All donors are tested for Rh Kell phenotype, i.e. various erythrocyte antigens as well as RBC antibodies.
- Every time blood is donated:
- It is tested for the following infection markers: HIV 1/2, viral hepatitis B and C, syphilis.
- Blood group (ABO) and rhesus factor Rh(D) are determined and, where necessary, additional tests are performed.
- If for any reason the required amount of blood cannot be obtained from a donor, their blood samples are not tested.
- All test results are entered into the State Donor Data Information System and the information becomes available to all Blood Preparation Departments.
- If tested positive for any infection marker, the donor is excluded from any further blood/blood component donation.
- If testing for infection markers shows any:
- The sample with donor’s personal data is sent to the National Reference Laboratory to obtain more detailed results
- The National Reference Laboratory processes the donor’s personal data in accordance with the law
- If the positive rest result for infection markers is confirmed, for the purposes of public epidemiological health and pursuant to the law, the State Blood Donor Centre or the National Reference Laboratory sends the donor’s personal data and lab test results to the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
- Before giving blood, all donors may choose whom to inform of the results of the tests for infection markers, if any deviations from the standard range are identified:
- The donor personally at their declared address or the donor’s GP (in both cases the recipient is informed via registered mail).
Blood test results can be received both in person or remotely in electronic format.
- In person at all permanent blood donation venues (except Merķeļa 11 site in Rīga) presenting a valid identity document.
- Remotely, by emailing to the State Blood Donor Centre.
Application processing time is about 10 working days.