Seroprevalence of transfusion transmissible infections by ELISA in donors testing negative with rapid ICT in Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Blood transfusion saves lives, but it is associated with many complications which include transmissible infections (TTIs). The major objectives of this study were to determine; the prevalence TTIs in blood donated at Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria from 01 January 31 December 2019; investigate accuracy rapid immunochromatographic (ICT) tests for preliminary screening donors’ samples and confirmed by ELISA test; establish baseline data that will provide impetus improvement equipment, infrastructure, health system management, ultimate goal ensuring safer practice.
 Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional records donors Bank quasi-tertiary centre situated Federal Capital Territory (FCT), northcentral Nigeria, between 2019. socio-demographic biodata (age gender), parameters (PCV groups), test results (by ICT kit ELISA) manually extracted record books hospital’s bank. Only donor initially tested negative met inclusion criteria. entered into spreadsheet Microsoft Excel, analysed Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) Windows version 23.0. Chi square used determine association variables p value less than 0.05 considered statistical significance.
 Results: A total 1400 donors, received within period, criteria testing on test. mean age (± SD) 35.6±6.7 years range 18-67 years. median 35 years, predominant group 30-39 accounting 55.4% (775/1400). Majority (97.1%, 1359/1400) males. In terms ABO distribution, O Rh D positive commonest, followed positive, while least AB positive. overall 4.9% (68/1400). highest HCV (1.9%, 26/1400), HIV (1.2%, 17/1400), HBV (0.9%, 13/1400) syphilis 12/1400).
 Conclusion: detection false preliminarily screened highlighted our speaks unreliability kits TTIs. There need therefore authorities other LMICs ensure widespread availability highly sensitive methods such as point where be possible enforce legislation against use accurate kits.