Recent advancement in transfusion medicine/science has necessitated the replacement of routine basic tests by use of molecular biology technology. As a result of this, blood compatibility testing has migrated to the use of DNA and RNA sequencing to select blood for transfusion to patient from a pool of donors. In resource constraint nations where this advancement is not affordable and therefore not available, the continuous use of AHG test has remained a reliable second best. However it has been observed that there appears a general ‘disinclination’ for the performance of this test in most Nigerian blood bank laboratories especially at cross match. Consequent upon this is the general neglect of investigation of transfusion reactions. This has also impacted negatively on the training of upcoming Medical laboratory scientists. It has been observed that where some laboratories attempt to carry out this test routinely, there are issues of non-compliance with the quality control measures required for accurate performance of the test. It has also been noticed that, there is a general scarcity of IgG anti D which is required for preparation of IgG sensitized cells to control the process of this all important test.
- Course Manager: Daniel Adedigba
- Course Author: Idris Saliu