Which of the following statements is true regarding the safety of blood transfusions?

The statement that all blood donors must be screened for infectious diseases is true and highlights an essential safety measure in the blood transfusion process. Screening for infectious diseases is a critical step in ensuring the safety of the blood supply, as it helps to identify and exclude donors who may have contagious conditions that could be transmitted through transfusion, such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.

The protocols for blood donor screening are well-established and include thorough health history questionnaires and laboratory testing of donated blood for various pathogens. This comprehensive screening is vital to maintain the quality and safety of blood products, ultimately protecting patients who receive transfusions.

In contrast, other statements are not accurate. Transfusions do carry some risk of infection, even with rigorous screening; platelet transfusions can have a higher risk of bacterial contamination due to their storage conditions, and while most transfusion reactions can be minimized, they are not always preventable. Understanding these nuances underscores the importance of the donor screening process in mitigating risks in blood transfusion.