Type and screen policy: is there any compromise on blood safety?
BACKGROUND
Pre-transfusion testing involves blood grouping (ABO and Rh) and major cross match (testing the recipient's serum/plasma against the donor's red blood cells) at 37 °C to detect IgG antibodies. In the western countries, type and screen policy is routinely followed.


OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to assess implementation of type and screen policy in standalone blood banks in India and to assess compromise on blood safety, if any?


METHODS
The study was carried out at the Standalone Blood Bank of North India during the period January 2012 to April 2012. Type and screen study was carried out in parallel to routine cross match using Column Agglutination Technology.


RESULTS
Total 354 patients were included in the study. 4 samples were positive on antibody screening. Cross match was incompatible in 1 case. No case was found with antibody screen negative but AHG cross match incompatible.


CONCLUSIONS
This study concluded good safety level in high risk category patients. Type and screen policy can be implemented in Indian settings with no compromise on blood safety provided sufficient technical and infrastructural support is available at the centre.
Blood Bank, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, India. Electronic address: dr.agrawalamit@gmail.com.
Amit
A
Agrawal
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001771:Blood Banks / Q000592:standards; D001788:Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D058731:Blood Safety; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D046148:Donor Selection / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; D000094902:Blood Banking / Q000379:methods
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System
AHG; Antibody screening; Cross match