TraQ Program of the BC PBCO

Today the risk of transmitting infectious diseases via blood transfusion in countries such as Canada is minimal. Unfortunately, such risks are much higher in developing counties, which lack the infrastructure and resources for the effective preventive strategies implemented in the West, e.g., questionnaires, laboratory tests, infectious agent removal, blood supply cold chain, etc.

Despite progress, transfusion-transmitted diseases continue to occur worldwide. Many infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can be transmitted by blood transfusion and donor screening cannot prevent them all, particular new and emerging threats.

TraQ's disease clearinghouses include timely news and updates on actual, new, and potential transfusion-associated diseases.