Use of Gel Card Microtyping for Blood compatibility analysis and its comparison with Conventional Tube Technique

Dr Priyanka Gulati; Dr Mayurika S Tyagi; Brig (Dr) PS Dhot; Dr Swati Singh

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2020

Use of Gel Card Microtyping for Blood compatibility analysis and its comparison with Conventional Tube Technique

Dr Priyanka Gulati, Dr Mayurika S Tyagi, Brig Dr Ps Dhot, Dr Swati Singh

Abstract :

Traditionally conventional spin tube technique (CTT) had been used for cross–matching and compatibility testing of blood products in the blood bank. A study was conducted in a blood bank associated with a teaching hospital in National Capital Region of Delhi from May 2015 to November 2016, for comp� the efficacy of gel card micro typing system and CTT, when used for cross–matching. The sensitivity, specificity, turnaround time for conducting the test and cost–effectiveness of both the techniques were analysed. A total of 1295 blood units were issued after cross–matching with the recipient�s sample. Both CTT and gel card technique were used for cross–matching. Gel card technique was found to be more sensitive and specific for the test. The conventional method using saline was unable to detect minor antibodies present in the blood; however, when an indirect antiglobulin test was applied (Coombs Crossmatch), the results were comparable. The gel card technique is a rapid, reliable and more accurate test for cross–matching in comparison to conventional spin tube method.