Coronavirus Found In The Blood Of A Donor Whose Symptoms Disappeared 40 Days Ago

Coronavirus found in the blood of a donor whose symptoms disappeared 40 days ago

Current guidelines do not require blood testing for SARS-CoV-2 in such donors. This case raises questions about the donation of asymptomatic carriers of the pathogen.

Photo: Denis Grishkin / mos.ru

Doctors found SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus RNA in the blood of a blood donor whose symptoms disappeared more than 40 days ago. Scientists from the Stanford University School of Medicine described this case in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Blood donors who are asymptomatic with COVID-19 can be dangerous. They indicate that coronavirus has already been found in donated blood. But in the cases that were described earlier, blood donation occurred in the early stages of infection. The new case tells about a person who was formally suitable for donation in all respects.

The donor, whose case scientists describe, came to donate blood voluntarily in mid-April. His blood was tested for SARS-CoV-2 as part of a program organized by Stanford University.

The described donor had a mild cold, the symptoms of which were similar to those of COVID-19, in early March. Then he complained of body aches and sore throat without fever. He has not sought medical attention and has not been tested for SARS-CoV-2.

After SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in the donor's blood, he was tested for the virus with a nasal swab. It turned out to be negative.

Scientists believe this incident may be cause for concern. The fact is that modern recommendations for blood transfusion do not recommend checking blood for coronavirus from all donors. One case is not enough to change management, but the Stanford Clinic plans to continue mass testing of blood for SARS-CoV-2.