[Evaluation of blood grouping in ABO and Rh systems in health facilities in Benin]

Abstract

Study purpose: The goal of this work is to assess the modalities of blood typing achievement in Benin with the view of their improvement.

Methods: On the basis of a questionnaire including the detailed operative process, a prospective investigation has been achieved in public and private health centers laboratories.

Results: It came out that the execution of ABO and Rh blood typing took place globally on the fringe of the standards. We note that 72.4% of the private laboratories and 48.9% of the public ones lacked at least one equipment and 51.3% at least one material for blood withdrawal; 38.2% of the laboratories did not respect blood withdrawal standards; 1.32% of the laboratories applied the 4×2 rule. The assessment revealed that respectively 10.8% and 30.7% of the blood centers and non-blood centers achieved the globular test solely; the same 40.5% and 46.2% used reagents of different brands. Anti-A1 and anti-H sera, and A1 and A2 red cells were not available in any laboratory. More than 64% of laboratories have senior technicians and biomedical analysis engineers but only 6.6% of the laboratories were directed by biologists, and 9.2% of the laboratories function with only one technician.

Conclusion: Instead of some assets, the laboratories assessment noted important non-conformities we ought to raise as a matter of urgency. It is a challenge whose resolution must give blood transfusion centers a reference position relatively to blood grouping when facing blood typing difficulties.

Keywords: ABO and Rh grouping; Assessment; Assets; Atouts; Groupage ABO et Rh; Non-conformities; Non-conformités; Sécurité transfusionnelle; Transfusion safety; Évaluation.