Yongling Tu

Dynamics of viremia in early hepatitis C virus infection.

BACKGROUND: It is important to characterize viral dynamics in early hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to further our understanding of viral pathogenesis and the potential for secondary transmission in acute infection through blood transfusion or other routes.

Convenience, the bane of our existence, and other barriers to donating

BACKGROUND:  To prevent donor loss and improve retention, it is important to understand the major deterrents to blood donation and to identify factors that can be effectively addressed by blood centers.

Analysis of donor return behavior

BACKGROUND: Efforts to provide a safe, adequate blood supply have been inhibited by persistent shortages attributed to a lack of motivation on the part of the general public and inefficiency in recruiting processes. This study examined whether frequency of donations and/or timing of subsequent donations by first‐time donors related to donor demographics.

The role of altruistic behavior, empathetic concern, and social responsibility motivation in blood donation behavior

BACKGROUND: Blood donation can be described as a prosocial behavior, and donors often cite prosocial reasons such as altruism, empathy, or social responsibility for their willingness to donate. Previous studies have not quantitatively evaluated these characteristics in donors or examined how they relate to donation frequency.

First year donation patterns predict long-term commitment for first-time donors

Background and Objectives  Converting first‐time donors to become regular donors continues to be a challenge facing blood centres. We examined whether first‐time donors with frequent return in the first 12 months were more likely to become regular donors.

Factors influencing donor return

BACKGROUND: To predict future blood donation behavior and improve donor retention, it is important to understand the determinants of donor return.

Factors influencing the decision to donate : racial and ethnic comparisons

BACKGROUND:  Understanding factors that encourage different racial and ethnic groups to donate is crucial for donor recruitment and retention.

Determinants of return behavior: a comparison of current and lapsed donors

BACKGROUND: There is a need to identify factors explaining why some people stop donating blood.

Relative sensitivities of licensed nucleic acid amplification tests for detection of viremia in early human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND: Screening donors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is primarily performed on minipools (MPs) with one of two commercial nucleic acid amplification tests (NAT; Roche Molecular Systems; or Gen‐Probe/Chiron). We compared these assays with respect to detection of RNA in early HIV and HCV infection.

Knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and screening in United States blood donors.

BACKGROUND : Increased knowledge of HIV transmission and behavioral and test screening may encourage high‐risk blood donors to self‐defer.