Comparative analysis of alloimmunization in healthy voluntary blood donors versus general patients: A 6-year experience from regional transfusion center in Northwestern part of India

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Alloimmunization is a significant complication of blood transfusion and can lead to hemolytic transfusion reactions. The prevalence of alloimmunization in healthy voluntary blood donors and patients in the northwestern part of India is not well documented. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the prevalence, specificity, and clinical significance of antibodies in blood donors and general patients in a regional transfusion centre in the North Western part of India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of alloimmunization in voluntary blood donors and patients over a six-year period in a regional transfusion center. A total of 145,299 donor samples and 58,009 patient samples were screened for unexpected antibodies using standard techniques. RESULTS: Of the 145,299 donor samples screened, only 16 (0.011%) were positive for unexpected antibodies, with anti-M being the most common (62.5%). In contrast, among the 58,009 patients screened, 275 (0.47%) were found to be positive for alloantibodies, with blood group B showing the highest prevalence. The most common alloantibodies found in patients were anti-D, anti-E, anti-c, and anti-K in the Rh and Kell blood group systems. CONCLUSION: The incidence of alloimmunization in voluntary blood donors is low and comparable to other regions, which can be attributed to strict donor selection criteria and pre-donation screening practices. However, the incidence of alloimmunization in patients is higher, highlighting the need for routine screening for unexpected antibodies in patients to prevent hemolytic transfusion reactions. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying factors contributing to the higher incidence of alloimmunization in patients.