INTRODUCTION: Blood transfusion is an important potential source of Chagas disease transmission. METHODS: Files from the Araraquara Regional Blood Center were checked regarding the tests results for Chagas' disease between January 2004 and December 2008. RESULTS: Positive serology was diagnosed in 0.04% of 49,541 blood donations that were performed. Seropositive individuals were aged between 51 and 60 years-old. CONCLUSIONS: The low rate of seropositive donors may reduce the risk of transfusion transmission of Chagas disease. The high occurrence of inconclusive results indicates that the diagnostic methods must be improved.
Chagas disease; Epidemiology; Blood transfusion
