C. K. Lin

Impact of donor arm skin disinfection on the bacterial contamination rate of platelet concentrates

Background and Objectives Despite improved methods for detecting bacterial contamination of blood products, bacterial sepsis remains a significant risk in blood transfusion. This study was undertaken to investigate whether adopting a different skin disinfection protocol could reduce the rate of bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates.

Molecular Characterization of the 2011 Hong Kong Scarlet Fever Outbreak

A scarlet fever outbreak occurred in Hong Kong in 2011. The majority of cases resulted in the isolation of Streptococcus pyogenes emm12 with multiple antibiotic resistances. Phylogenetic analysis of 22 emm12 scarlet fever outbreak isolates, 7 temporally and geographically matched emm12 non-scarlet fever isolates, and 18 emm12 strains isolated during 2005-2010 indicated the outbreak was multiclonal. Genome sequencing of 2 nonclonal scarlet fever isolates (HKU16 and HKU30), coupled with diagnostic polymerase chain reaction assays, identified 2 mobile genetic elements distributed across the major lineages: a 64.9-kb integrative and conjugative element encoding tetracycline and macrolide resistance and a 46.4-kb prophage encoding superantigens SSA and SpeC and the DNase Spd1. Phenotypic comparison of HKU16 and HKU30 with the S. pyogenes M1T1 strain 5448 revealed that HKU16 displays increased adherence to HEp-2 human epithelial cells, whereas HKU16, HKU30, and 5448 exhibit equivalent resistance to neutrophils and virulence in a humanized plasminogen murine model. However, in contrast to M1T1, the virulence of HKU16 and HKU30 was not associated with covRS mutation. The multiclonal nature of the emm12 scarlet fever isolates suggests that factors such as mobile genetic elements, environmental factors, and host immune status may have contributed to the 2011 scarlet fever outbreak.

Estimation of bacterial risk in extending the shelf life of PLT concentrates from 5 to 7 days.

BACKGROUND: The use of bacterial culture to prevent bacterial contamination of blood components has renewed interest for extending the shelf life of PLT concentrates to 7 days after collection.

Predicting potential drop‐out and future commitment for first‐time donors based on first 1·5‐year donation patterns: the case in Hong Kong Chinese donors

Background and Objectives  Adequate blood supply is crucial to the health‐care system. To maintain a stable donor pool, donation‐promotion strategies should not only be targeted in recruitment but also focus on retaining donors to give blood regularly. A study using statistical modelling is conducted to understand the first 4‐year donation patterns for drop‐out and committed first‐time blood donors and to build model for the donor‐type identification based on their first 1·5‐year donation patterns.

Long-term clinical outcomes after Streptococcus bovis isolation in asymptomatic blood donors in Hong Kong.

Risk of transfusion‐transmitted bacterial sepsis has been substantially reduced by a bacterial surveillance program (BST). However, new problems emerge as asymptomatic bacteremia is detected in blood donors. Streptococcus bovis bacteremia, which is known to associate with infective endocarditis and colonic carcinoma, is an example.

A study of the predonation hemoglobin and iron status among Hong Kong Chinese blood donors

BACKGROUND: Predonation hemoglobin (PDH) is used to safeguard donors’ welfare, and low hemoglobin (Hb) is known to be the most frequent reason for donor deferral. A study was initiated to assess the PDH and iron status of blood donors in Hong Kong.

Significant bacterial contamination risk reduction with the use of diversion pouch

Significant efforts have been made towards bacterial risk minimization by limiting the chance of bacteria entering into collected blood, detecting its presence and eliminating them by pathogen reduction technology. Improved skin disinfection and the use of diversion pouch are effective upstream measures to reduce the risk of bacterial sepsis. Here we report on our experience with the use of blood bags with diversion pouch.

Risk factor analysis of hepatitis C virus infection among Chinese blood donors in Hong Kong

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can result in serious hepatic complications and hence potentially significant burden to the society. Despite advances in technology, transfusion‐transmitted HCV infection still exists. To further minimise the risk, a review on the epidemiology of HCV infection among Chinese blood donors in Hong Kong was conducted.

Reduction in vasovagal reaction rate in young first-time blood donors by collecting 350 mL rather than 450 mL

There is a paucity of studies on the magnitude of reduction of vasovagal reaction by reduced collection volume. This study was thus conducted to determine the difference in reaction rates between two collection volumes among the young first‐time donors who are at particular risk of reaction.

Evaluation of two chlorhexidine-alcohol-based skin disinfectants in blood donation setting.

Source reduction is important in minimizing bacterial‐contaminated risk of blood products, but previous evaluation of chlorhexidine (CHX) was confounded by inability of Tween and lecithin to neutralize CHX. The study aims to address this limitation and also evaluates the effectiveness of two CHX–alcohol‐based skin disinfectants in blood donation setting.