Evaluation of Incompatible Crossmatches at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chennai – A Prospective Study

Abstract

Objectives: The primary goal in blood transfusion is that the transfused blood unit be compatible with the patient during crossmatching. This compatibility testing is performed before every administration of blood component. This cross-matching test helps to detect the presence of antibodies in the recipient against antigens over red blood cells of donor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and causes of in compatible crossmatches in patients by tube agglutination method. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted by analyzing incompatible crossmatches encountered during routine compatibility testing between January and December 2021 at the Department of Transfusion Medicine, Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The analysis was done in March and April 2022. All crossmatches were done by tube agglutination technique. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed. Descriptive statistics were given in summary statistics. Results: Out of the total of 12943 crossmatches performed, 0.3% (n=39/12943) were incompatible. About 76.9% (n=30/39) were seen in females while 69.2% (n=27/39) were seen in the age group 20–60 years. About 35.9% (n=14/39) of the incompatible crossmatches were due to autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). A root cause analysis protocol was formulated to resolve the incompatibility and ensure safe transfusion. Conclusion: AIHA was the most common cause of incompatible crossmatch. The root cause analysis protocol involves a thorough evaluation of the patient’s clinical condition, underlying pathology, and errors during technical procedure to identify the cause of incompatibility. Protocols should be developed in each blood center and a logical stepwise approach will enable the provision of safe transfusion.