I remember seeing a document advising that pooled sera should not be tested
as positive samples could be "diluted out" and hence show negative on
testing. So all samples contibuting to a pool should be tested. However, I
think you need the patients permission to do this as the consequences of
finding a positive sample and then informing the patient is un-ethical. The
samples could probably be anonymised before testing so positive samples
could be discarded but personally I would be unhappy about this procedure.
We have previously sourced pooled sera using the samples taken from blood
donors to check their viral status. You need a friendly transfusion service
and I am eternally greatful to ours for allowing us access to the samples
once they have completed their analysis. Other alternatives are dialysis
patients as they usually have regular checks on viral status.
Alun Price
Chief Biomedical Scientist
Clinical Chemistry
Northern General Hospital
Shefield
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