Distribution of ABO, Rhesus Blood Groups, Transfusion Transmitted Diseases and Adverse Donor Reactions in a Blood Bank of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Five Year Study

Abstract

Introduction: Study of the distribution of A, B, O blood group systems is essential for genetic studies, medico – legal issues and importantly for efficient delivery of blood bank services. Also important is the immunologic safety of the donated blood and safety of the donor, hence the need for documentation of transfusion transmitted diseases and adverse donor reactions. Aim: To study the distribution of A, B, O and Rh blood groups in donors from Jan 2011 to December 2015, in a blood bank of a semi – urban tertiary care teaching hospital. Document the frequency of various transfusion transmitted diseases (TTDS) and adverse donor reactions. Materials and Methods: Total of 16455 donors was eligible for blood donation, fulfilling the NACO guidelines. A, B, O and Rh grouping were done by standardized commercially available kits. The blood was screened for TTDS – HIV, HBsAg, HCV and VDRL by standard procedures. A register was maintained to note the adverse donor reactions. Results: Of the total 16455 donors male donors (15979 - 97.11%) outnumbered the female donors. Voluntary donors constituted only 8.00% of the total donors the rest being replacement donors. When categorized according to the age, 8016 of donors were in the age group of 21- 30 years, and the least number of donors were seen above the age of 45 years. The commonest blood group was O with 6511 donors (39.57%), followed by B, A, the least being AB (6.8%). Rhesus positivity was seen in 94.12 % of donors. It was seen that the negative blood groups are the ones in which higher percentages of these transfusion transmitted diseases are documented. HIV was seen majorly in B-ve group, HBsAg in A –ve, HCV in group B –ve and VDRL most commonly in A –ve blood group. Adverse events were recorded in 371 (2.25%) of donors. Conclusion: Updating Knowledge and awareness of the regional distribution of blood groups is essential for providing good transfusion services and better community care. Donor safety is of prime importance, thereby the staff must be aware of potential adverse reactions that can happen and be on alert to identify and attend them. Also, awareness of frequency of the various transfusion transmitted diseases helps in keeping an eye on potential high risk donors.

Keywords

• hbsag
• hiv
• replacement donors