Which test is not required on donor blood?

Which test is not required on donor blood?

• A. HBsAg
• B. Anti-CMV
• C. HIV-1
• D. Anti-HTLV I/II

Answer: (B)

Donor blood screening aims to ensure the safety of blood donations and reduce the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections. Among the tests listed, testing for anti-CMV (Cytomegalovirus) is not routinely required on donor blood, unlike the other tests mentioned. HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) is essential as it identifies donors who may be infected with Hepatitis B virus, a significant concern for blood safety. Similarly, testing for HIV-1 is critical, as it detects the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus, which can lead to AIDS and is transmitted via contaminated blood. Anti-HTLV I/II testing is also necessary, as the human T-lymphotropic viruses can be transmitted through blood and result in serious health issues. In contrast, while cytomegalovirus can pose a risk to immunocompromised recipients, routine testing for anti-CMV is not mandated for blood donors unless it is a specific request based on the needs of a particular patient population or for certain transplant procedures. Hence, anti-CMV is not a standard requirement for donor blood screening.

Donor blood screening aims to ensure the safety of blood donations and reduce the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections. Among the tests listed, testing for anti-CMV (Cytomegalovirus) is not routinely required on donor blood, unlike the other tests mentioned.

HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) is essential as it identifies donors who may be infected with Hepatitis B virus, a significant concern for blood safety. Similarly, testing for HIV-1 is critical, as it detects the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus, which can lead to AIDS and is transmitted via contaminated blood. Anti-HTLV I/II testing is also necessary, as the human T-lymphotropic viruses can be transmitted through blood and result in serious health issues.

In contrast, while cytomegalovirus can pose a risk to immunocompromised recipients, routine testing for anti-CMV is not mandated for blood donors unless it is a specific request based on the needs of a particular patient population or for certain transplant procedures. Hence, anti-CMV is not a standard requirement for donor blood screening.