The Role of Haematological and Biochemical Parameters for Diagnosis and Management of COVID-19 Patients

Introduction : COVID-19 Pandemic has affected the Healthcare System adversely. It should be diagnosed early to prevent mortality and morbidity. Thus various Haematological and Biochemical markers can be used specially in developing countries where clinicians have limited access to Molecular Diagnostic Technique. Aim and objectives : The study aims to observe the role of haematological and biochemical parameters in diagnosing as well as predicting the prognosis along the course of the disease. Material and methods : Retrospective study performed in Department of Pathology from April, 2021 to May, 2021 on 200 COVID-19 positive patients. The tests were conducted using the Haematological and Biochemistry Auto analysers. Results : Out of 200 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 patients analysis of Haematological Parameters showed Leucocytosis, Neutrophilia, Lymphopenia and Eosinopenia. Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio and Systemic Inflammatory Index were also found to be elevated in comparison to the control cases. Statistically significant difference was observed in Total Leucocyte Count, Absolute Neutrophil Count, Absolute Lymphocyte Count, Kidney Function Tests (KFT) and Liver Function Tests (LFT) between severe and non severe cases. Biochemical parameters were found to be more elevated in severe cases. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels >50 mg/dl and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels >1000U/L were found only in severe cases. Conclusion : Haematological and Biochemical Markers being easily available and reliable can be utilised as useful prognosticator for early prediction of disease. Elevated Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio and Systemic Inflammatory Index can be useful in diagnosing COVID-19 especially when clinical suspicion is present despite negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) reports

Blood Donation and Adverse Events: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Blood transfusion services are vital and aim toprovide blood and blood products which are safe, readilyavailable and adequate to meet the need of the patient. Aim ofstudy is to estimate the frequency, type of adverse reactionsand interventions that can be taken to reduce this frequency.Materials and Methods: The present study was conductedover duration of 12 months (January 2017 to December2017). This study comprises of 6500 blood donations inwhich 6250 were male and 250 were female donors.4680 were voluntary donors and 1820 were replacementdonors. Overall, 3473 whole blood donations, 2983component donations, and 44 plateletpheresis donationswere considered.Results: Only 43 had some adverse events. Out of these, 15had vasovagal reaction followed by nausea and vomitingcomprising 11 donors. Some less common reactions werehematoma and nerve injury. As compared to whole blooddonation there are less adverse events in cases ofplateletpheresis.Conclusion: Only few donors suffered any adverse eventbut methods should be employed to reduce risks with thehelp of maximum safety measures.