Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: In transfusion medicine it may be necessary to remove antibodies (Abs) that have sensitized red blood cells (RBCs) in vivo when evaluating a patient’s positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT). Hence; the present study was undertaken for assessing and comparing two different elution methods of Removal of antibodies from red cells. Materials & methods: Direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and Indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) were performed using gel cards. Comparison of two different elution methods as done: Heat elution and Chloroquine diphosphate elution methods. Both the methods were performed on all DAT positive samples and their efficacy in removal of autoantibodies was compared. Sensitization of red cells Samples of red cells sensitized in vivo were obtained from patients with warm reactive autoantibodies in their sera. A total of 40 samples which were positive by gel cards, were subjected to two elution methods. All the results were recorded and analysed using SPSS software. Results: Mean DAT agglutination score among heat elution group and chloroquine elution group at 1+ was 2.23 and 2.84 respectively. Mean DAT agglutination score among heat elution group and chloroquine elution group at 2+ was 4.84 and 4.86 respectively. Mean DAT agglutination score among heat elution group and chloroquine elution group at 3+ was 6.86 and 7.39 respectively. Mean DAT agglutination score among heat elution group and chloroquine elution group at 4+ was 8.65 and 9.81 respectively. Significant results were obtained while comparing DAT Agglutination score before and after heat elution method and chloroquine elution methods. Conclusion: An elution method, which requires small amount of red cells, provides quick and reliable results with little damage to the red cell antigens should be selected in patients with DAT positivity.