A 2020 study released in February from the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis shares a new clinical test that detects drugs and botanicals (from dietary supplements) in human blood. This testing is exciting as it offers scientists new opportunities to test interactions between substances in the blood. Long-term, such testing could play a role in studying consumer habits and the extent of herbal supplement use in the American population as well. (1)
Yet, the study also took an unexpected turn. Using blood collected for blood transfusion, hoping to establish clean baseline samples, the team actually found that blood transfusion products were contaminated with various drugs. Co-author of the study, Richard van Breemen, said to the Daily Mail, ‘The odd thing, in this case, was finding all the tainted blood.’ And, “…we can only speculate on how widespread the problem is.” (2)
Caffeine and Xanax Found In Blood Transfusions
Researchers at Oregon State University and the University of Illinois collaborated to test the purity of blood for transfusion. The actual samples used by the researchers were not misdirected from true donation, but were originally collected by blood banks and then expired before use. A total of 18 samples, originally destined for transfusion, were tested by the research team.
They did not expect to find any substances within the supposed ‘pure sample’ transfusions, but in actuality, found traces of caffeine in 100% of samples, and Xanax, an anti-anxiety medication, in approximately 70% of samples. Cough medicine (dextromethorphan) was another common element found in eight of the samples (44%). These results are concerning for a number of reasons, but most notably, blood used for transfusions seem to have a high rate of contamination. More research will be needed to confirm the findings of this relatively small study. (2)
Blood Transfusions- What Are The Risks?
No doubt – blood transfusions are life-saving treatments, but they are not without risks either. Universal screening has indeed lowered the risk of bloodborne infections like HIV and AIDS substantially. But allergic reactions and fluid overload from blood transfusions are still fairly common. In very rare cases, a lung injury or blood disorder (acute immune hemolytic disorder) can occur too. If you require a transfusion, ensure you let your healthcare team know right away if you notice any changes in how your feeling during and afterward to prevent a poor outcome. (3)
Should I Worry About Blood Contamination?
Examining contamination of blood products based on the results of this study alone, researchers still say not to worry. Co-author and Ph.D. student Luying Chen told the Daily Mail, “…caffeine is not a big worry for patients, though it may be a commentary on current society.” For some medical conditions, additional caffeine may even be of benefit to patients receiving blood. “But,” Chen added, “the other drugs being in there could be an issue for patients, as well as posing a problem for those of us doing this type of research because it’s hard to get clean blood samples.” (2)
Chen and van Breemen are clear in that their new blood test does not screen for all drugs and dietary supplements either, thus more substances could be within blood products that we do not know about. Right now, it seems only more technology, development, and research will help us uncover the true extent of the blood transfusion contamination problem.
