Experience from an immunohematology reference testing center

Abstract

Blood Centres in India lack infrastructure to investigate immunohematology problems. Reference Testing Center (RTC) was established in 2014 to investigate Immunohematological problem as it is not possible for small blood centers to go for complete immunohematology work up due to lack of financial and technical resources in remote and rural areas. Objective of this study is to share our experience as RTC of past 6 years so that more RTC are established across Indian subcontinent. 1456 Discrepant samples received from various hospitals of South India for Immunohematology problems were analysed in 6 years. Maximum requisitions obtained in 2014 were more than 40 years of age and then 21-40 years of age group in 2015 and same was observed till 2020.75% of total samples received were for antibody identification followed by blood group discrepancy resolution, investigation of positive DAT, red cell phenotype and pre-natal evaluation & antibody titration. Single allo-antibodies were identified in 773 cases whereas multiple allo-antibodies were found in 118 cases. Most common single and multiple antibody found was anti D and Anti-D+C. Weak D subgroup was the most common blood group discrepancy.22 cases & 4 cases of Bombay and para-bombay were also investigated.

Keywords: Immunohematology; reference testing center; transfusion.