Analysis of Titers of Immunoglobulin M and Immunoglobulin G ABO Antibodies in Group O Blood and Plateletphersis Donors at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

CONTEXT: ABO isoagglutinins, particularly anti-A and anti-B antibodies, are clinically significant in transfusion medicine due to their potential to cause hemolytic reactions in recipients of ABO-incompatible blood components. Evaluating the distribution of isoagglutinin titers in group O donors is essential for enhancing transfusion safety.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess and compare anti-A and anti-B immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG titers among group O whole blood and plateletpheresis donors and explore their association with donor age and type.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 1 year and included 300 voluntary blood donors at a tertiary care center. IgM titers were estimated using the saline cards, and IgG titers were measured on dithiothreitol (DTT)-treated samples using the indirect antiglobulin test on polyspecific AHG cards.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests and univariate and multivariate regression.

RESULTS

Anti-A titers were significantly higher than anti-B titers for both IgM and IgG. IgG titers were significantly higher than IgM. Plateletpheresis donors and younger individuals exhibited significantly higher isoagglutinin titers. No significant difference was observed based on sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher isoagglutinin titers among younger and plateletpheresis donors highlight the need for targeted screening to reduce hemolytic risk in ABO-incompatible transfusions. These findings support consideration of donor titer testing and age-based blood component allocation as strategies to enhance transfusion safety.