A STUDY OF ABO BLOOD GROUPING DISCREPANCIES: EXPERIENCE OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, NAVI MUMBAI

Abstract

The ABO system plays a vital role in transfusion therapy and organ 
transplantation. ABO typing and compatibility tests are essential components of pre-transfusion 
procedures. ABO typing includes both cell and serum grouping, and discrepancies may arise in 
either category. Resolving these discrepancies is crucial for accurately determining the ABO and 
Rh groups of blood donors and patients. Failure to do so can result in ABO-incompatible 
transfusions, which may have fatal consequences. These discrepancies can arise from technical 
errors, protein abnormalities, or the presence of rare blood phenotypes, necessitating meticulous 
attention to detail and adherence to standard protocols. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze 
the incidence and underlying causes of ABO typing discrepancies in blood transfusion services, 
with a focus on resolving these discrepancies to ensure transfusion safety. Methodology: A 
prospective study was conducted at MGM Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, 
analyzing 10,588 blood samples over a period of 12 months. We included both patient and donor 
samples, utilizing standard blood grouping techniques. Exclusion criteria were applied to ensure 
sample integrity. Objectives: To determine the incidence of ABO typing discrepancies in patient 
and donor samples. To identify causes of discrepancies: technical errors, protein abnormalities, 
rare blood phenotypes. To analyze the age and gender distributions of cases with ABO typing 
discrepancies. To determine whether standard protocols and communication are effective in 
resolving discrepancies. Results: The study revealed an overall discrepancy rate of 0.17%, with 
Type IV discrepancies being most prevalent (39%), followed by Type II (33%) and Type I 
(17%). Underlying causes included autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cold antibodies, and a rare 
blood group like the Bombay phenotype. We examined the age and gender distributions of cases, 
emphasizing the importance of effective communication and adherence to standard protocols in 
promptly resolving discrepancies to ensure transfusion safety.