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Article Type

Article

Abstract

Background: Group O blood donors are considered universal red-cell donors due to the absence of A and B antigens on erythrocytes. However, their plasma contains naturally occurring anti-A and anti-B isoagglutinins, which may exhibit complement-mediated haemolytic activity. Transfusion of plasma-containing components from such donors to non-O recipients-especially platelets or large plasma volumes—can result in passive haemolytic transfusion reactions. Data on the prevalence of high haemolytic potential in South India remain limited. Methods: This observational cross-sectional laboratory-based study was conducted from November 2017 to November 2019 at the blood bank of Sree Gokulam Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. A total of 106 group O voluntary blood donors were enrolled. Haemolysin testing involved incubating donor serum with 5% red-cell suspensions of groups A, B, and O at 37°C for 1 hour. Haemolysis was graded visually, with ≥ 50% considered high haemolytic potential. Antibody titres were assessed using saline rapid-spin and indirect antiglobulin phases. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v20.0; p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: All donors were male (mean age 25.4 ± 6.0 years; 92.5% RhD-positive). High haemolytic potential was observed in 44.3% (anti-A) and 47.2% (anti-B), with 35.8% showing both. Overall prevalence was 55.6%. A significant association was noted between high haemolysis and high rapid-spin titre for anti-A (χ 2 = 4.38, p = 0.036).Conclusion: A high prevalence of clinically significant haemolysins was observed. Routine haemolysin screening is recommended before transfusing group O plasma or platelets to non-O recipients.

Keywords

Haemolysin test, Dangerous universal donor, Group O blood donor, Haemolytic transfusion reaction, Anti-A antibody, Anti-B antibody, Transfusion safety, South India

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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