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Introduction: Partial phenotyping of voluntary blood donors has vital role in transfusion practice, population genetic study and in resolving legal issues. The Rh blood group is one of the most complex and highly immunogenic blood group known in humans. The Kell system, discovered in 1946, is the third most potent system at triggering hemolytic transfusion reactions and consists of 25 highly immunogenic antigens. Knowledge of Rh & Kell phenotypes in given population is relevant for better planning and management of blood bank; the main goal is to find compatible blood for patients needing multiple blood transfusions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of Rh & Kell phenotype of voluntary donors in Gujarat state. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted by taking 5670 samples from random voluntary blood donors coming in blood donation camp. Written consent was taken for donor phenotyping. The antigen typing of donors was performed by Qwalys-3(manufacturer: Diagast) by using electromagnetic technology on Duolys plates. Results: Out of 5670 donors, the most common Rh antigen observed in the study population was e (99.07%) followed by D (95.40%), C (88.77%), c (55.89%) and E (17.88%). The frequency of the Kell antigen (K) was 1.78 %. Discussion: The antigen frequencies among blood donors from Gujarat were compared with those published for other Indian populations. The frequency of D antigen in our study (95.4%) and north Indian donors (93.6) was significantly higher than in the Caucasians (85%) and lower than in the Chinese (99%). The frequencies of C, c and E antigens were dissimilar to other ethnic groups while the ‘e’ antigen was present in high frequency in our study as also in the other ethnic groups. Kell antigen (K) was found in only 101 (1.78 %) donors out of 5670. Frequency of Kell antigen in Caucasian and Black populations is 9% & 2% respectively. The most common Kell phenotype was K-k+, not just in Indians (96.5%) but also in Caucasians (91%), Blacks (98%) and Chinese (100%). Conclusion: Phenotype and probable genotype showed wide range of variations in different races and religion. Reliable population based frequency data of Rh & Kell antigens has vital role in population genetic study, in resolving medico legal issues and in transfusion practice.

Background: Performance monitoring is an important tool which can be used for setting priorities for process improvement. At our centre, we have been monitoring every step in the processes, right from inventory of consumables (both critical and routine) to number of donors reactive for TTI. We conducted a study to measure the impact of monitoring Performance Indicators and how it could be used as a tool for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study where the performance indicator (PI) data of blood bank was analyzed for over four years. For certain parameters, benchmarks or thresholds were set that represented warning limits or action limits. The yearly data were collated from monthly data. "Shifts" or "Trends", if any, were identified and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) taken accordingly. At the end, outcomes of the analysis were charted. Results: After the yearly data evaluation, outcomes obtained were used to plan, correct and amend processes and systems in the blood center. It was observed that the workload of the center showed an upward trend. This helped us to plan for the purchase of consumables and management of manpower. The monitoring of usage and discard of blood helped in the efficient management of blood stocks. The need for any new equipment could also be judged by the trends in workload. Conclusion: Performance indicators are indispensible tools which various stakeholders in the Blood Transfusion centres should implement to improve on quality performance.

Introduction: Discovery of Rh antigens in 1939 by Landsteiner and Weiner was the revolutionary stage in blood banking. Of these antigens, D, which decides Rh positivity or negativity, is the most antigenic. A problem is encountered when an individual has a weakened expression of D (Du), i.e., fewer numbers of D antigens on red cell membrane. Aims and Objectives: To know the prevalence of weak D in Indian population because incidence varies in different population. To determine the risk of alloimmunization among Rh D negative patients who receives the blood of weak D positive donors. Material and Methods: Rh grouping of 38,962 donors who came to The Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion of Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad from 1st January 2013 to 30th September 2014 was done using the DIAGAST (Automated Grouping). The samples that tested negative for D antigen were further analysed for weak D (Du) by indirect antiglobulin test using blend of Ig G and Ig M Anti D. This was done using Column agglutination method in ID card (gel card). Results: The total number of donors studied was 38,962. Out of these 3360(8.6%) were tested Rh D negative. All Rh D negative donors were tested for weak D (Du). 22 (0.056% of total donors and 0.65% of Rh negative donors) turned out to be weak D (Du) positive. Conclusion: The prevalence of weak D (Du) in Western Indian population is 0.056 %, So the risk of alloimmunization in our setting due to weak D (Du) antigen is marginal. But, testing of weak D antigen is necessary in blood bank because weak D antigen is immunogenic and can produce alloimmunization if transfused to Rh D negative subjects.

Background and Objective: Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is performed effectively and safely in adult patients, but the use of TPE is limited in paediatric patients due to lack of universally accepted indications and technical challenges like establishment of adequate vascular access, low blood volume, increased incidence of adverse events during procedure and poor co-operation of patients during procedure. We present our experience of TPE in paediatric patients to assess the effectiveness and safety of TPE in paediatric patients. Materials and Methods: A total 122 TPE procedures were performed in 40 paediatric patients between 3 to 15 years of age group with Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS). TPE procedures were performed on alternate days depending on the clinical condition of the patient. Patient's total blood volume was calculated as per Nadler's formula and processed through central double lumen catheter. 1-1.5 plasma volume was exchanged with normal saline and fresh frozen plasma. Results: A total of 122 TPE procedures (with an average of three procedures per patient) were performed on 40 paediatric patients. More than three TPE procedures were performed in 29 patients, of which 27 patients showed improvement from grade-0 and grade-I to grade-III. One did not show any response and succumbed to the disease. Complications were observed in 14 patients which were well managed. Inadequate vascular access was most common complication observed in 11 patients. Conclusion: TPE in paediatric patients has been increasing and has been shown to be effective as first line or adjunctive therapy in selected diseases. It is safe procedure when volume shifts, calcium supplementation and venous access are taken care.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the blood transfusion service should be to provide effective blood and blood components, which are as safe as possible and adequate to meet patient's need. To achieve safe blood transfusion practice, many blood transfusion center in India follow routine type and screen protocol for all patient's and donor's blood samples to detect unexpected alloantibodies. The present study is aimed at assessing the frequency and type of unexpected red cell alloantibodies in general patient population and donors at a tertiary care teaching hospital in western India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, samples of patients as well as blood donors were processed for ABO and Rh “D” grouping as well as antibody screening with three cell screening panel on fully automated immunohematology analyzer. Positive sample in three cell screening panel was further evaluated for identification of specific alloantibody with eleven cell identification panel by column agglutination technique. Results were recorded, and data were analyzed to calculate the frequency of unexpected alloantibody. RESULTS: A total of 74,214 patient samples and 80,173 donor samples were processed for type and screen. Out of which, 512 patients and 11 donors were identified with alloantibody. Most common alloantibody found in the present study is anti-D (0.075%), followed by anti-E (0.041%), anti-c (0.021%), anti-K (0.0205%) in Rh and Kell blood group system. CONCLUSION: Antibody screening and identification of specific alloantibody help in identifying most appropriate blood unit that lacks the corresponding antigen and prevent alloimmunization.

Introduction: Hemophilia is an X-linked congenital bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) in hemophilia A (HA) or factor IX (FIX) in hemophilia B (HB). Accurate diagnosis of hemophilia by factor assay to demonstrate deficiency of FVIII or FIX is essential for appropriate management. Inhibitor development results in partial or complete lack of the efficacy of replacement therapy, and it makes the management of patients more difficult with an increased risk of morbidity, serious bleeding, and disability, resulting in a substantial impact on patient's quality of life and health-care costs, compared to patients without inhibitors. Aims and Objectives: To assess the incidence of inhibitor development in HA and HB patients along with its consequences. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Western India. A total of 276 patients of hemophilia were included in the study. FVIII, FIX, and inhibitor screening were carried out in all patients sample as routine testing. Patients who were found positive in inhibitor screening were further evaluated for quantitative assay (Bethesda assay). Results: Out of total 276 patients, 243 patients of HA and 33 patients of HB were observed. The incidence of inhibitor development is 20.57% in HA and 6.06% in HB. The maximum number of patients and maximum number of inhibitors was between the age group of 11 and 30 years. There was more number of patients with severe disease as compared to mild and moderate forms. The concentration of inhibitor >5 BU was seen in 76% of HA patients and 100% of HB patients with inhibitor. Sixty-one patients came for follow-up. In three patients, inhibitor disappeared. The incidence of complications was more in patients who had developed inhibitor which increases the cost of treatment and increases the social suffering of the patients. Conclusion: Inhibitor development affect the severity and treatment of the disease significantly and there by increases the suffering and cost to the patient.

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is emerging as a potential threat to blood safety after several cases of transmission by transfusion or transplantation have been described. Currently, blood donors in India are not screened for HEV. The studies conducted on HEV in recent times in India have focused on epidemiology and future perspectives, but there is no published study on blood donors. To address possible issues surrounding blood safety and risk of HEV transmission within the Indian blood supply, HEV seroprevalence study was conducted in blood donors at our center. Materials and Methods: A total of 460 male voluntary blood donors were selected for the study and after taking their written consent. Serum anti-HEV IgM was detected by Dia.Pro HEV kit (Diagnostic Bioprobes Srl, Milano, Italy). Results: The study population was composed of 460 male voluntary blood donors and their age ranged from 18 to 60 years with a mean age of 30.48 years. Out of 460 donors, 22 (4.78%) donors were tested positive for IgM anti-HEV and the mean value alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was 26.06 IU/L, the highest being 93.5 IU/L. Normal reference value of ALT in our center was 40 IU/L. Out of 22 anti-HEV positive donors, 19 (86.36%) had ALT values above 40 IU/L. Conclusion: HEV seroprevalence of 4.78% in our center. Though reports of HEV transmission through blood has been reported from various parts of the world, before making it as a mandatory screening test among blood donors in India, further studies with confirmatory assay of HEV need to be done.

Guillain - Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute, frequently severe progressive illness of peripheral nervous system that is autoimmune in nature. GBS after myocardial infarction (MI) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) is uncommon with high mortality rate if not treated promptly. [1] We report a successful outcome of GBS post MI with VSD in a 60-year-old male patient who was on a ventilator treated successfully with therapeutic plasma exchange.