Clinical Focus


  • Anatomic and Clinical Pathology
  • Transfusion Medicine

Academic Appointments


  • Clinical Associate Professor, Pathology

Professional Education


  • Board Certification: American Board of Pathology, Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine (2008)
  • Fellowship: UCSF Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine Fellowship (2008) CA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Pathology, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (2007)
  • Residency: UCSD Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Residency (2007) CA
  • Medical Education: Drexel University College of Medicine (2003) PA

All Publications


  • The use of mixed reality technology within the donor collection experience. Transfusion Pandey, S., Goel, R., Kapral, J., Kieffer, T., Kang, J., Shaffer, H., Hermelin, D., Hartwell, B. 2024

    Abstract

    Mixed reality (MR), a form of virtual reality (VR), provides an immersive and interactive experience for the user. Given VR's benefits in patients undergoing needle insertion procedures, MR's usability, impact on anxiety, and safety were evaluated in the blood donation setting.Whole blood donors ≥18 years old (yo) were enrolled at two blood centers and provided a MR headset with independently developed software to wear during blood donation. Pre- and post-donation questionnaires were conducted, and reaction data were reviewed. A post-study questionnaire was also completed by staff who assisted donors with MR. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multinomial logistic regression were performed, and p values determined statistical significance between variables.A total of 282 donors completed the study. 84% wanted to try MR because it seemed fun/different/cool/interesting, and most staff (69%) and donors (68%) found MR easy to use. Baseline subjective anxiety, reported by 50.3% (more often in females, first-time donors, and donors <20 yo), was reduced by MR in 68.4% of donors, and there was a 3.6 times higher odds of anxiety reduction with MR. 54% of donors with baseline anxiety would use MR again with the highest future interest in young donors. Donor reactions while using MR were mild and included pre-faint reactions and hematomas.This study demonstrates the potential of MR in reducing donor anxiety, its feasibility during blood donation, and its safety in blood donors. MR is an innovative technology that holds promise to increase donor engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.17712

    View details for PubMedID 38284641

  • Incidence of formation of anti-D between patients with and without a history of solid organ transplant. Vox sanguinis Wali, J. A., Abdelmonem, M., Nguyen, A., Shan, H., Pandey, S., Yunce, M. 2024

    Abstract

    Solid organ transplant surgeries including liver transplants constitute a substantial risk of bleeding complications and given frequent national blood shortages, supporting D-negative transplant recipients with D-negative red blood cell products perioperatively can be difficult for the transfusion services. This study was designed to compare the incidence of alloimmunization after D-mismatched red cell transfusions between patients with and without a history of solid organ transplant at a single tertiary care hospital. The patients undergoing solid organ transplants are on strong immunosuppressive regimens perioperatively to help reduce the risk of rejection. We hypothesized that the use of these immunosuppressive agents makes these patients very less likely to mount an immune response and form anti-D antibodies when exposed to the D-positive red blood cell products perioperatively.At our center, D-negative patients who received ≥1 unit of D-positive red blood cell products were identified using historical transfusion records. Antibody testing results were examined to determine the incidence of the formation of anti-D and any other red cell alloantibodies after transfusion and these results were compared between patients with and without a history of solid organ transplant.We were able to identify a total of 22 patients over 10 years with D-negative phenotype who had undergone a solid organ transplant and had received D-positive red blood cell products during the transplant surgeries. We also identified a second group of 54 patients with D-negative phenotype who had received D-positive red blood cell products for other indications including medical and surgical. A comparison of the data showed no new anti-D formation among patients with a history of D mismatched transfusion during solid organ transplant surgeries.Among our limited study population, we observed a very low likelihood of D alloimmunization among solid organ transplant recipients. A larger, prospective study could help further evaluate the need for prophylactic D matching for red cell transfusions during solid organ transplant surgeries.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/vox.13589

    View details for PubMedID 38245847

  • Risk factors for T-cell lymphopenia in frequent platelet donors: The BEST collaborative study. Transfusion Kaufman, R. M., Marks, D. C., Flamand, Y., Acker, J. P., Brown, B. L., Olafson, C., Marschner, S., Pandey, S., Papari, M., Petraszko, T., Serrano, K., Ward, D., Bazin, R. 2023

    Abstract

    Severe T-cell lymphopenia of uncertain clinical significance has been observed in frequent apheresis platelet donors. Two commonly used plateletpheresis instruments are the Trima Accel, which uses a leukoreduction system (LRS) chamber to trap leukocytes and the Fenwal Amicus, which does not use an LRS chamber.We performed an international, multicenter, observational study comparing T-cell populations in frequent platelet donors collected exclusively using the Trima instrument (n = 131) or the Amicus instrument (n = 77). Age- and sex-matched whole blood donors (n = 126) served as controls.CD4+ T-cell counts <200 cells/μL were found in 9.9% of frequent Trima (LRS+) platelet donors, 4.4% of frequent Amicus (LRS-) platelet donors, and 0 whole blood donors (p < .0001). CD4+ T-cell counts <200 cells/μL were only seen in platelet donors with ≥200 lifetime donations. In multivariable analysis, age, lifetime donations, and instrument (Trima vs. Amicus) were independent risk factors for lymphopenia. In 40 Trima platelet donors, a plasma rinseback procedure was routinely performed following platelet collections. No Trima platelet donors receiving plasma rinseback had a CD4+ T-cell count <200 cells/μL versus 13/91 Trima platelet donors not receiving plasma rinseback (p = .01).Recurrent bulk lymphocyte removal appears to contribute to the development of T-cell lymphopenia in frequent, long-term platelet donors. Lymphopenia is more common when an LRS chamber is used during platelet collection but can occur without an LRS chamber. Blood centers using LRS chambers can mitigate donor lymphopenia by performing plasma rinseback.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.17567

    View details for PubMedID 37818894

  • HIV risk behavior profiles among men who have sex with men interested in donating blood: Findings from the Assessing Donor Variability and New Concepts in Eligibility study. Transfusion Custer, B., Whitaker, B. I., Pollack, L. M., Buccheri, R., Bruhn, R. L., Crowder, L. A., Stramer, S. L., Reik, R. A., Pandey, S., Stone, M., Di Germanio, C., Buchacz, K., Eder, A. F., Lu, Y., Forshee, R. A., Anderson, S. A., Marks, P. W. 2023

    Abstract

    Individual risk assessment allows donors to be evaluated based on their own behaviors. Study objectives were to assess human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors in men who have sex with men (MSM) and estimate the proportion of the study population who would not be deferred for higher risk HIV sexual behaviors.Cross-sectional survey and biomarker assessment were conducted in eight U.S. cities. Participants were sexually active MSM interested in blood donation aged 18-39 years, assigned male sex at birth. Participants completed surveys during two study visits to define eligibility, and self-reported sexual and HIV prevention behaviors. Blood was drawn at study visit 1 and tested for HIV and the presence of tenofovir, one of the drugs in oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Associations were assessed between HIV infection status or HIV PrEP use and behaviors, including sex partners, new partners, and anal sex.A total of 1566 MSM completed the visit 1 questionnaire and blood draw and 1197 completed the visit 2 questionnaire. Among 1562 persons without HIV, 789 (50.4%) were not taking PrEP. Of those not taking PrEP, 66.2% reported one sexual partner or no anal sex and 69% reported no new sexual partners or no anal sex with a new partner in the past 3 months.The study found that questions were able to identify sexually active, HIV-negative MSM who report lower risk sexual behaviors. About a quarter of enrolled study participants would be potentially eligible blood donors using individual risk assessment questions.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.17515

    View details for PubMedID 37642154

  • High-titer post-vaccine COVID-19 convalescent plasma for immunocompromised patients during the first omicron surge. Transplant infectious disease : an official journal of the Transplantation Society Tayyar, R., Wong, L. K., Dahlen, A., Shu, E., Pandey, S., Liu, A. Y. 2023: e14055

    Abstract

    Transplant and hematologic malignancy patients have high Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality and impaired vaccination responses. Omicron variant evades several monoclonal antibodies previously used in immunocompromised patients. Polyclonal COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) may provide broader neutralizing capacity against new variants at high titers. Vaccination increases severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) titer in convalescent donors.We conducted a retrospective chart review of hospitalized immunocompromised patients with COVID-19 who received high-titer CCP during the first omicron surge, collected from vaccinated donors within 6 months of pre-omicron COVID-19. Data on safety and outcomes were extracted.A total of 44 immunocompromised patients were included, 59.1% with solid organ transplant, 22.7% with hematopoietic cell transplant, 11.4% with hematologic malignancy, and 6.8% with autoimmune disease. Overall, 95% of CCP units transfused were from recently recovered and vaccinated donors and had SARS-CoV-2 antibody results 8- to 37-fold higher than the Food and Drug Administration's cutoff for high-titer CCP. There were two mild transfusion reactions. A total of 30-day mortality was 4.5%. There were no differences in 100-day mortality by underlying diagnosis, levels of immunosuppression, and timing of CCP administration. Patients with higher immunosuppression had significantly higher mean World Health Organization clinical progression scores at 30-day post-CCP compared to those with lower immunosuppression.CCP is a safe, globally available treatment for immunocompromised patients with COVID-19. Mortality was lower in our cohort than that of COVID-19 patients with similar immunocompromising conditions. Post-vaccine CCP with very high titers should be prioritized for study in immunocompromised patients. Post-vaccine CCP has the potential to keep pace with new variants by overcoming mutations at sufficiently high titer.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/tid.14055

    View details for PubMedID 36929619

  • Serologic reactivity of unidentified specificity in antenatal testing and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn: The BEST collaborative study. Transfusion Lu, W., Ziman, A., Yan, M. T., Waters, A., Virk, M. S., Tran, A., Tang, H., Shih, A. W., Scally, E., Raval, J. S., Pandey, S., Pagano, M. B., Shan, H., Moore, C., Morrison, D., Cormack, O., Fitzgerald, J., Duncan, J., Corean, J., Clarke, G., Yazer, M. 2023

    Abstract

    The clinical significance of serologic reactivity of unidentified specificity (SRUS) in pregnancy is not clear based on available literature. The aim of this study is to determine if SRUS is associated with hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).Retrospective data were collected from eight institutions over an 11-year study period (2010-2020), when available (5/8 sites). The outcome of the pregnancies with SRUS-no, mild, moderate, or severe HDFN-was determined.SRUS was demonstrated in 589 pregnancies. After excluding those with incomplete data, a total of 284 pregnancies were included in the primary HDFN outcome analysis. SRUS was detected in 124 (44%) pregnancies in isolation, and none were affected by HDFN. Of 41 pregnancies with SRUS and ABO incompatibility, 37 (90%) were unaffected, and 4 (10%) were associated with mild HDFN. Of 98 pregnancies with SRUS and concurrent identifiable antibody reactivity(s), 80 (81%) were unaffected, and 19 (19%) were associated with mild to severe HDFN. There was 1 case of mild HDFN and 1 case of severe HDFN in the 21 pregnancies with SRUS, ABO incompatibility, and concurrent identifiable antibody reactivity(s), and 19 (90%) were unaffected by HDFN. Among all patients with repeat testing, newly identified alloantibodies or other antibodies were identified in 63 of 212 (30%) patients. Although most were not clinically significant, on occasion SRUS preceded clinically significant antibody(s) associated with HDFN (3%, 5/188).The antenatal serologic finding of SRUS in isolation is not associated with HDFN but may precede clinically significant antibodies.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.17276

    View details for PubMedID 36815517

  • Demographics of first-time donors returning for donation during the pandemic: COVID-19 convalescent plasma versus standard blood product donors. Transfusion Van Buren, N. L., Rajbhandary, S., Reynolds, V., Gorlin, J. B., Stramer, S. L., Notari, E. P., Conti, G., Katz, L., Stubbs, J. R., van Buskirk, C. M., Kuttner, K., Smith, D. L., Ngamsuntikul, S. G., Pandey, S., Ward, D. C., Ziman, A., Hiskey, M., Townsend, M., Sachais, B. S. 2022

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated low first-time donor return rates (DRR) following catastrophic events. Little is known, however, about the influence of demographic factors on the DRR of first-time donors during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the unique motivation of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) donors as compared to non-CCP donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirteen blood collection organizations submitted deidentified data from first-time CCP and non-CCP donors returning for regular (non-CCP) donations during the pandemic. DRR was calculated as frequencies. Demographic factors associated with returning donors: race/ethnicity, gender, and generation (Gen Z: 19-24, Millennial: 25-40, Gen X: 41-56, and Boomer: ≥57years old), within the CCP and non-CCP first-time cohorts were compared using chi-square test at p<.05 statistical significance.RESULTS: From March 2020 through December 2021, there were a total of 44,274 first-time CCP and 980,201 first-time non-CCP donors. DRR were 14.6% (range 11.9%-43.3%) and 46.6% (range 10.0%-76.9%) for CCP and non-CCP cohorts, respectively. Age over 40years (Gen X and Boomers), female gender, and White race were each associated with higher return in both donor cohorts (p<.001). For the non-CCP return donor cohort, the Millennial and Boomers were comparable.CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate differences in returning donor trends between the two donor cohorts. The motivation of a first-time CCP donor may be different than that of a non-CCP donor. Further study to improve first-time donor engagement would be worthwhile to expand the donor base with a focus on blood donor diversity emphasizing engagement of underrepresented minorities and younger donors.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.17229

    View details for PubMedID 36550639

  • Implementation strategy for complete pathogen reduction technology treated apheresis platelet inventory. Transfusion Shu, E., Dela Cruz Batilo, C., Sussmann, H., Owen, B., Belanger, G. A., Pandey, S., Pham, T. D. 2022

    Abstract

    Bacterial contamination in platelets remain a major public health concern, which prompted the US Food and Drug Administration guidance for bacterial contamination mitigation. Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) is one mitigation strategy that has shown success in Europe over the last decade. Therefore, our center sought to transition from a dual system of bacterial culturing (BacT) and PRT to full PRT.A 1 month pilot study was conducted to simulate 100% PRT conditions. Our center also collected baseline data on key platelet production metrics in the 4 months prior to 100% PRT and compared it to the 4 months post-implementation.The pilot study showed no statistical differences in split rate, proportion of low-yield products, or proportion of single, double, and triple collections. The only observed difference was an 11 min increase in the average duration of double collections. Our baseline versus post-implementation monitoring showed no difference in split rate, discard rate, percentage of low-yield units, and average yield of low yield units. Statistical differences were detected in the proportion of single, double, and triple collections, as well as the average yield of full dose products. Roughly 20% of our inventory consisted of low-yield products.With suitable mitigation strategies, transitioning to a full PRT inventory may result in higher net margins while not adversely affecting overall platelet production. A pilot study is a good way to project potential effects of switching from a dual BacT and PRT inventory to full PRT, and can be adopted by other centers aiming to make the transition.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.17081

    View details for PubMedID 36052676

  • Transfusion Outcomes between Regular and Low Yield Pathogen Reduced Platelets across Different Patient Populations in a Single Institution Tang, M., Shu, E., Sussman, H., Virk, M., Pandey, S., Shan, H., Pham, T. WILEY. 2022: 268A
  • Transfusion outcomes between regular and low yield pathogen reduced platelets across different patient populations in a single institution. Transfusion Tang, M. S., Shu, E., Sussman, H., Virk, M., Pandey, S., Shan, H., Pham, T. 2022

    Abstract

    Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) effectively mitigates bacterial contamination in platelets but is more likely to produce low yield units. Although low dose transfusion using conventional platelets has not been associated with increased bleeding, these findings have not been reproduced with PRT-treated platelets.Platelet transfusions in a tertiary adult hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Comparisons were made between PRT-treated regular (PRT-PR) and low (PRT-PL) yield platelets. Outcomes examined included the number of platelets and RBCs transfused, transfusion-free interval, and corrected count increment (CCI). Subgroup analyses were also performed on hematology-oncology inpatients and outpatients, as well as non-hematology-oncology patients.Platelet utilization per patient remained mostly unchanged (mean 2.9-4.3 units per patient per month) even when the frequency of PRT-PL transfusion increased. Among 1402 patients examined, the number of platelets and RBCs transfused was not significantly different between patients first transfused with PRT-PR versus PRT-PL (mean number of platelet units = 2.8 vs. 3.1, p = 0.38; mean number of RBC units = 4.8 vs. 4.3, p = 0.93). Among 10,257 platelet transfusions examined, the transfusion-free interval (hazard ratio = 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.10) and CCI (10.2 vs. 11.0, p = 0.70) were comparable between PRT-PR and PRT-PL units. Similar findings were observed in all subgroups, except for shortened transfusion-free intervals among hematology-oncology inpatients.PRT-PR and PRT-PL units may be used in an equivalent manner to maintain an adequate platelet inventory, since there was only a minor difference in time between transfusions.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.17043

    View details for PubMedID 35924914

  • Factors associated with first-time and repeat blood donation: Adverse reactions and effects on donor behavior. Transfusion Brunson, D. C., Belanger, G. A., Sussmann, H., Fine, A. M., Pandey, S., Pham, T. D. 2022

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Blood centers have a dual mission to protect donors and patients; donor safety is paramount to maintaining an adequate blood supply. Elucidating donor factors associated with adverse reactions (AR) is critical to this mission.STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of whole blood donors from 2003 to 2020 was conducted at a single blood center in northern California. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% CIs for ARs were estimated via multivariable logistic regression on demographics, donation history, and physical examination data. Where appropriate, Wilcoxon-Rank Sum and chi-squared tests were used to determine significance.RESULTS: First-time blood donors (FTD) exhibited a higher AR rate than repeat donors (4.4% vs. 1.9% p<.0001). When compared with FTDs without AR, FTDs with ARs (FT-AR) were less likely to return (30.0% vs. 47.3%, p<.0001), and, of those who returned, had a higher rate of reaction 20.2% versus 2.8% (p<.001). Factors found to be associated with FT-AR (younger age, increased heart rate, and higher diastolic blood pressure) still correlated positively with AR on return donation, but to a lower degree. FTD who potentially witnessed an AR had a lower return rate (44.6% vs. 47.3%, p=<.001) and donated fewer units (2.38 vs. 3.37, p<.001) when compared to FTD who did not witness an AR.CONCLUSION: The AR on FTD increases the AR likelihood of return donation. Longitudinal analysis shows that a time-based deferral policy targeted at FT-AR young donors can reduce the number of ARs while not dramatically impacting the blood supply.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.16893

    View details for PubMedID 35510783

  • How do I implement pathogen-reduced platelets? Transfusion Pham, T. D., Kadi, W., Shu, E., Pandey, S., Sussmann, H., Shan, H., Virk, M. S. 2021

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Several risk mitigation steps have improved the safety of platelets in regard to bacterial contamination, but this continues to be a concern today. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Guidance issued in December 2018 aims to further limit this risk. The guidance offers multiple pathways for compliance, and hospital blood banks will have to collaborate with blood donor centers to assess various factors before deciding which method is most appropriate for them.METHODS AND MATERIALS: Our institution considered several factors before moving forward with pathogen reduction technology. This included an assessment of platelet shelf-life, bacterial testing requirements, the efficacy of low-yield platelets, and managing a mixed platelet inventory. The decision to transition to pathogen-reduced platelets was associated with complex collection and processing limitations that resulted in either an increase in platelets that were over-concentrated or products with a low platelet yield.RESULTS: Through trials of various collection settings with unique target volumes and target platelet yields, our blood donor center was able to optimize the production. At the hospital end, this transition required a thorough review of low-yield platelet products and their clinical efficacy. Additionally, this implementation necessitated collaboration with clinical colleagues, comprehensive education, and training.CONCLUSIONS: Pathogen-reduced platelets would be the most efficient way for our institution to be compliant. This summary may serve as a roadmap for other institutions that are considering which FDA prescribed method to use and provide support for those that have decided on pathogen reduction technology but need to optimize their collections to best utilize low-yield products.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.16744

    View details for PubMedID 34796968

  • International Forum on Gender Identification and Blood Collection: Summary VOX SANGUINIS Pandey, S., Gorlin, J. B., Townsend, M., Van Buren, N., Leung, J. S., Lee, C., Hurk, K., Casamitjana, N., Valles, R., Alonso, E., Miller, Y., Richard, P., Woimant, G., Tiberghien, P., Zhiburt, E., Butler-Foster, T., Goldman, M., Nissen-Meyer, L. H., Espinosa, A., Kamel, H., Bravo, M., Amorim Filho, L., Pecego, M., Germain, M., Rabusseau, I., Shinar, E., Raz, H., Choudhury, N., Bhatnagar, N., Hurt, K., Lopez, M., Reik, R. A., Nie, Y., Hung, Y., Pheello, L., Dunbar, N. 2021

    View details for DOI 10.1111/vox.13192

    View details for Web of Science ID 000697314200001

    View details for PubMedID 34545579

  • Implementing Full Pathogen Reduction Technology Apheresis Platelets Inventory Does Not Reduce Overall Production Compared to Dual Inventory Shu, E., Owen, B., Belanger, G. A., Sussman, H., Pandey, S., Tho Pham WILEY. 2021: 52A-53A
  • A survey of US hospitals on platelet inventory management, transfusion practice, and platelet availability TRANSFUSION Pandey, S., Belanger, G. A., Rajbhandary, S., Cohn, C. S., Benjamin, R. J., Bracey, A. W., Katz, L. M., Menitove, J. E., Mintz, P. D., Gammon, R. R. 2021

    Abstract

    A survey of US hospitals was conducted to increase our understanding of the current state of platelet (PLT) practice and supply. The survey captures information on transfusion practice and inventory management, including stock levels, outdate rates, ability to return or transfer PLTs, and low dose PLTs. Notably, the survey also elucidates PLT availability challenges and impact to patient care.A 27 question online survey was distributed directly to over 995 US hospitals and indirectly through blood centers to many more between September 27 and October 25, 2019. Descriptive statistics were used for respondent characteristics. Bivariate analysis was performed and correlation coefficients, chi square tests, and p values determined statistical significance of relationships between variables.Four hundred and eighty-one hospitals completed the survey of which 21.6%, 53.2%, and 25.2% were characterized as small, medium, and large hospitals, respectively. Some key observations from this survey include: (1) there is an opportunity for greater adherence to evidence-based guidelines; (2) higher outdate rates occur in hospitals stocking less than five PLTs and the ability to return or transfer PLTs lowers outdates; (3) use of low dose apheresis PLTs varies; and (4) decreased PLT availability is commonly reported, especially in hospitals with high usage, and can lead to delays in transfusions or surgeries.This survey represents a comprehensive national assessment of inventory management practices and PLT availability challenges in US hospitals. Findings from this survey can be used to guide further research, help shape future guidance for industry, and assist with policy decisions.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.16561

    View details for Web of Science ID 000674507000001

    View details for PubMedID 34287930

  • Use of Outpatient-Derived COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma in COVID-19 Patients Before Seroconversion. Frontiers in immunology Wirz, O. F., Roltgen, K., Stevens, B. A., Pandey, S., Sahoo, M. K., Tolentino, L., Verghese, M., Nguyen, K., Hunter, M., Snow, T. T., Singh, A. R., Blish, C. A., Cochran, J. R., Zehnder, J. L., Nadeau, K. C., Pinsky, B. A., Pham, T. D., Boyd, S. D. 2021; 12: 739037

    Abstract

    Background: Transfusion of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) containing high titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies serves as therapy for COVID-19 patients. Transfusions early during disease course was found to be beneficial. Lessons from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic could inform early responses to future pandemics and may continue to be relevant in lower resource settings. We sought to identify factors correlating to high antibody titers in convalescent plasma donors and understand the magnitude and pharmacokinetic time course of both transfused antibody titers and the endogenous antibody titers in transfused recipients.Methods: Plasma samples were collected up to 174 days after convalescence from 93 CCP donors with mild disease, and from 16 COVID-19 patients before and after transfusion. Using ELISA, anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD, S1, and N-protein antibodies, as well as capacity of antibodies to block ACE2 from binding to RBD was measured in an in vitro assay. As an estimate for viral load, viral RNA and N-protein plasma levels were assessed in COVID-19 patients.Results: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and RBD-ACE2 blocking capacity were highest within the first 60 days after symptom resolution and markedly decreased after 120 days. Highest antibody titers were found in CCP donors that experienced fever. Effect of transfused CCP was detectable in COVID-19 patients who received high-titer CCP and had not seroconverted at the time of transfusion. Decrease in viral RNA was seen in two of these patients.Conclusion: Our results suggest that high titer CCP should be collected within 60 days after recovery from donors with past fever. The much lower titers conferred by transfused antibodies compared to endogenous production in the patient underscore the importance of providing CCP prior to endogenous seroconversion.

    View details for DOI 10.3389/fimmu.2021.739037

    View details for PubMedID 34594341

  • Efficient Identification of High-Titer Anti-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Antibody Plasma Samples by Pooling Method. Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine Nguyen, K. D., Wirz, O. F., Röltgen, K., Pandey, S., Tolentino, L., Boyd, S. D., Pham, T. D. 2021

    Abstract

    The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has elicited a surge in demand for serological testing to identify previously infected individuals. In particular, antibody testing is crucial in identifying COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP), which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use as passive immune therapy for hospitalized patients infected with COVID-19. Currently, high-titer CCP can be qualified by Ortho's Vitros COVID-19 IgG antibody test (VG).To explore the use of an efficient testing method to identify high-titer CCP for use in treating COVID-19 infected patients and track COVID-19 positivity over time.We evaluated an ELISA-based method that detects antibodies specific to the SARSCoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) with individual and pooled plasma samples and compared its performance against VG. Using the pooled RBD-ELISA (P-RE) method, we also screened over 10,000 longitudinal healthy blood donor samples to assess seroprevalence.P-RE demonstrates 100% sensitivity in detecting FDA-defined high-titer samples when compared to VG. Overall sensitivity of P-RE when compared to VG and our individual sample RBD-ELISA (I-RE) were 83% and 56%, respectively. When screening 10,218 healthy blood donor samples by P-RE, we found the seroprevalence correlated with the local infection rates with a correlation coefficient of 0.21 (P< .001).Pooling plasma samples can be used to efficiently screen large populations for individuals with high-titer anti-RBD antibodies, important for CCP identification.

    View details for DOI 10.5858/arpa.2021-0215-SA

    View details for PubMedID 34101801

  • Active surveillance of serious adverse events following transfusion of COVID-19 convalescent plasma. Transfusion Swenson, E., Wong, L. K., Jhaveri, P., Weng, Y., Kappagoda, S., Pandey, S., Pritchard, A., Rogers, A., Ruoss, S., Subramanian, A., Shan, H., Hollenhorst, M. 2021

    Abstract

    The reported incidence of adverse reactions following Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescent plasma (CCP) transfusion has generally been lower than expected based on the incidence of transfusion reactions that have been observed in studies of conventional plasma transfusion. This raises the concern for under-reporting of adverse events in studies of CCP that rely on passive surveillance strategies.Our institution implemented a protocol to actively identify possible adverse reactions to CCP transfusion. In addition, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of inpatients who received CCP at Stanford Hospital between May 13, 2020 and January 31, 2021. We determined the incidence of adverse events following CCP transfusion.A total of 49 patients received CCP. Seven patients (14%) had an increased supplemental oxygen requirement within 4 h of transfusion completion, including one patient who was intubated during the transfusion. An additional 11 patients (total of 18, 37%) had increased oxygen requirements within 24 h of transfusion, including 3 patients who were intubated. Six patients (12%) fulfilled criteria for transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO).Using an active surveillance strategy, we commonly observed adverse events following the transfusion of CCP to hospitalized patients. It was not possible to definitively determine whether or not these adverse events are related to CCP transfusion. TACO was likely over-diagnosed given overlap with the manifestations of COVID-19. Nevertheless, these results suggest that the potential adverse effects of CCP transfusion may be underestimated by reports from passive surveillance studies.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/trf.16711

    View details for PubMedID 34677830

  • Interferon-gamma release assay for accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 T cell response. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America Murugesan, K. n., Jagannathan, P. n., Pham, T. D., Pandey, S. n., Bonilla, H. F., Jacobson, K. n., Parsonnet, J. n., Andrews, J. R., Weiskopf, D. n., Sette, A. n., Pinsky, B. A., Singh, U. n., Banaei, N. n. 2020

    Abstract

    We investigated feasibility and accuracy of an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) for detection of T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2. Whole blood IGRA accurately distinguished between convalescents and uninfected healthy blood donors with a predominantly CD4+ T cell response. SARS-CoV-2 IGRA may serve as a useful diagnostic tool in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/cid/ciaa1537

    View details for PubMedID 33035306

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