Transfusion-transmitted diseases. Current status and future directions.

Blood transfusion is associated with a number of potential risks, including the transmission of infectious diseases. Although a zero-risk blood supply may never be attainable, much effort is directed toward the identification of blood donors with evidence of transmissible infectious agents. This article summarizes the current knowledge of transfusion-transmitted diseases. In addition, possible future directions in decreasing the incidence of such diseases are discussed.