Addressing blood safety implications of donors using HIV antiretroviral therapy

HIV infection and transmission is a serious threat to people's health and public health security. Antiretroviral therapy (ART), including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), has played a huge role in controlling AIDS and curbing HIV transmission. However, the production and detection of HIV screening test markers may be affected because of the decrease of plasma viral loads and antigen levels in HIV-infected individuals after ART. It has been found that blood donors are receiving ART, and there is an increasing trend of it amongst blood donor population at home and abroad. Therefore, the uncertainty and risk of HIV screening of blood donors are increasing. In this case, blood collection and supply institutions should attach great importance to it, and take relevant studies and explore scientific and reasonable countermeasures actively.