Transfusion‐transmitted human <scp>T</scp>‐lymphotropic virus <scp>T</scp>ype <scp>I</scp> infection in a <scp>U</scp>nited <scp>S</scp>tates military emergency whole blood transfusion recipient in <scp>A</scp>fghanistan, 2010

Abstract

This case is the first report of transfusion transmission of HTLV-I in the US military during combat operations. The emergency fresh whole blood policy enabled both the donor and the recipient to be notified of their HTLV-I infection. While difficult in combat, predonation screening of potential emergency blood donors with Food and Drug Administration-mandated infectious disease testing as stated by the DoD Health Affairs policy should be the goal of every facility engaged with emergency blood collection in theater.