Maximizing Cornea and Tissue Donation through Specimen Quality

Authors

Robert W. Bresler, Sydney D. Gastreich, Elias G. Koulouriotis, Linda S. Martin, Susan Diane Brockmeier, Chak-Sum Ho, PhD

Keywords

Donor screening, hemolysis

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of assays used
to screen for transmittable diseases in tissue and cornea donors.

Methods: Three years of data, including donor screening result,
confirmatory assay result, specimen quality (hemolysis), and
time elapsed between death and specimen procurement, were
reviewed. Chi-square analysis was employed to determine statistical
significance of findings.

Results: HBsAg, HTLV, and HIV prevalence was noted to be
higher than anticipated based on published data. Confirmatory
assay results did not support the increased prevalence found in
our test population. Instances of reactive screening results for
HBsAg, HTLV, and HIV correlated positively with an increase
in specimen hemolysis, as well as increased time between death
and specimen procurement. Specimen hemolysis showed a positive
correlation with increased time between death and specimen
procurement.

Conclusions: This retroactive study shows the importance of obtaining
a high-quality specimen free of hemolysis when screening
for infectious diseases in tissue and cornea donors.