Transfusion Microbiology

It is critical that blood transfusion poses as low a risk as possible. Many pathogens can be transmitted by transfusion, and testing is complex and costly. This text covers all infective agents, donor selection and blood testing. Quality, regulation, cost benefit and risk assessment issues are also reviewed.

Extensive measures are taken to ensure that blood transfusion poses a minimal microbiological hazard to recipients. Transfusion Microbiology is the definitive text on all aspects of transfusion transmitted infections. This comprehensive text covers all medical, scientific, technical and developmental aspects of this critically important sector of transfusion medicine. A detailed discussion of all infective agents, donor issues, testing and pathogen inactivation is provided. Agents causing major concern recently, such as vCJD, are considered in the context of historical experience with agents such as HIV. All aspects of risk assessment, regulation, cost benefit analysis and quality management are reviewed. Relevant to blood transfusion centres, hospital transfusion laboratories, haematologists and microbiologists, medical, scientific and technical staff, universities and general training programmes worldwide, Transfusion Microbiology provides an up-to-date resource for all practitioners and researchers involved in transfusion medicine.