Comparison of estimation of volume of fetomaternal hemorrhage using Kleihauer-Betke test and microcolumn gel method in D-negative nonisoimmunized mothers.

In this study we assessed the efficay of the microcolumn gel method in the detection and quantification of the volume of fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) in comparison with the Kleihauer-Betke test (KB) in nonisoimmunized D- mothers. We collected blood samples from 80 D- indirect antiglobulin test-negative mothers over a span of more than 1 year. FMH was determined by KB and microcolumn gel method, and the results were compared. FMH was recorded as less than 4 mL by KB if no fetal cells were seen after examining 25 fields using 10x objective. If fetal cells were seen, slides were examined furhter to quantify FMH. By microcolumn gel method, FMH was reported as less than 0.1 percent, 0.1 percent, 0.2 percent, and 0.4 percent or greater. None of the patients had FMH greater than 15 mL by KB . Sixty-two patients (77.5%) had FMH less than 4mL by KB. In all these cases , FMH was less than or equal 0.2 percent (approximately 4mL) by microcolumn gel method. The mean volume of FMH in the remaining 18 (22.5%) cases by KB was 8.3 ± 1.7 mL. Fifteen (83.3%) of these 18 cases had FMH of at least 0.4 percent (approximately 8 mL) by gel technology. Three cases (16.7%) that differed from KB results had FMH of 0.2 percent by microcolumn gel method with a maximal FMH of 6.4 mL by KB. FMH was significanlty increased in cesarean delivery (mean FMH 9.5 ± 0.8 mL, range 7.9-10.4 mL, p=0.001) abd abtepartum hemorrahge (mean FMH 9.5 ± 0.9 mL, range 7.9-10.4 mL, p< 0.001). Microcolumn gel method is an effective screening test . Technologies like KB and flow cytometry are better options for detecting a large volume of FMh. Antepartum hemorrhage and cesarean delivery are risk factors for FMH. the 300-µg dose of cases. We need to analyze the relative cost-effectiveness of universal administration of 300µg of Rh immune globulin vs. FMH quantitation with subsequent administration of titrated doses.

Platelet audit: Assessment and utilization of this precious resource from a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND: To assess the appropriate utilization of platelet transfusions [random donor platelets (RDP) and single donor platelets (SDP)]; a six-month retrospective audit was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A six-month retrospective platelet audit was carried out from May to October 2005 to estimate its preparation, appropriate utilization and wastage rate. Patient's demographics, transfusion triggers and episodes and ABO and Rh (D) group specific or non-group specific transfusions were also assessed. RESULTS: About 5525 units of platelets [PRP-PC, 3,813 (69%); BC-PC, 983 (17.8%); PRP, 648 (11.7%) and SDP 81 (1.5%)] were prepared and transfused to 853 patients (RDP to 814 patients and SDP to 39 patients) in 2,093 transfusion episodes. Adult and pediatric hemato-oncology were the main user specialties utilizing 39.1 and 87.6% of the RDPs and SDPs prepared. Of the patients receiving RDPs, 95% were transfused ABO and Rh (D) group specific platelets whereas 100% SDPs transfusions were of group specific platelets. 88% of prophylactic platelet transfusions were appropriate as per the recommended BCSH guidelines. However, 12% of the prophylactic platelets were transfused inappropriately in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgeries with normal platelet counts and no evidence of bleeding related to platelets. Out of 5,444 RDPs prepared 1,585 (29.11%) units were not utilized. CONCLUSIONS: Regular audit of blood and blood components is a must so that necessary remedial measures can be taken to maximize appropriate and judicious utilization of each component.

Algorithm for recall of HIV reactive Indian blood donors by sequential immunoassays enables selective donor referral for counseling.

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS pandemic brought into focus the importance of safe blood donor pool. AIMS: To analyze true seroprevalence of HIV infection in our blood donors and devise an algorithm for donor recall avoiding unnecessary referrals to voluntary counseling and testing centre (VCTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 39,784 blood units were screened for anti-HIV 1/2 using ELISA immunoassay (IA-1). Samples which were repeat reactive on IA-1 were further tested using two different immunoassays (IA-2 and IA-3) and Western blot (WB). Based on results of these sequential IAs and WB, an algorithm for recall of true HIV seroreactive blood donors is suggested for countries like India where nucleic acid testing or p24 antigen assays are not mandatory and given the limited resources may not be feasible. RESULTS: The anti-HIV seroreactivity by repeat IA-1, IA-2, IA-3 and WB were 0.16%, 0.11%, 0.098% and 0.07% respectively. Of the 44 IA-1 reactive samples, 95.2% (20/21) of the seroreactive samples by both IA-2 and IA-3 were also WB positive and 100% (6/6) of the non-reactive samples by these IAs were WB negative. IA signal/cutoff ratio was significantly low in biological false reactive donors. WB indeterminate results were largely due to non-specific reactivity to gag protein (p55). CONCLUSIONS: HIV seroreactivity by sequential immunoassays (IA-1, IA-2 and IA-3; comparable to WHO Strategy-III) prior to donor recall results in decreased referral to VCTC as compared to single IA (WHO Strategy-I) being followed currently in India. Moreover, this strategy will repose donor confidence in our blood transfusion services and strengthen voluntary blood donation program.