Background and Objectives:The aim of this study was to compare three platforms side-by-side: Nageotte hemocytometer, flow cytometry (FC), and standard hematology analyzer for enumeration of residual white blood cells (rWBCs) in single donor platelets (SDPs) apheresis.Materials and Methods:This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care oncology center by evaluating 36 units of SDP that were collected and tested in parallel by three different methods for the enumeration of rWBCs. All tests were performed within 24 h of collection according to the manufacturers' recommended methods. Counting by the Nageotte hemocytometer was done by: rWBC/μl = (cells counted × dilution/gridded area volume [50 μl]) and FC calculation was performed by: rWBC/μl = (total beads × total number of leukocyte events/total beads acquired × total sample volume).Results:The number of rWBCs detected by FC was between 1 white blood cell (WBC)/μl and 8 WBCs/μl; whereas, those detected by Nageotte chamber were between 3 WBC/μl and 6 WBCs/μl. The range of rWBC detected by hematology analyzer was 100 WBC/μl to 270 WBCs/μl. There was no correlation observed between the results obtained in standard hematology analyzer with any of the other two methods. The concordance correlation coefficient was measured by kappa analysis and found to be 0.71 between hemocytometry and FC. Linear regression analysis also showed a moderate correlation (R2= 0.42) between the two methods. However, the coefficient of variation was found to be 49.32% in Nageotte method compared to the 17.55% in FC (P< 0.001).Conclusion:FC followed by Nageotte chamber counting is a better method compared to the standard hematology analyzer for the enumeration of rWBCs. To overcome the cost of FC it is high time to explore the scope and feasibility of a centralized quality monitoring system in India for all leukoreduced blood components.

A 52-year-old male repeats voluntary blood donor donated at our blood center for the first time. Historical blood group was O, Rh (D) positive. Initial blood grouping was done on the fully automated immunohematology analyzer using column agglutination technique (CAT). Discrepant results (forward as group O and reverse as group B) were observed while performing the ABO blood grouping by CAT. Repeat testing by conventional tube technique showed the same discrepancy. Antibody detection test and direct antiglobulin test results were negative. After adsorption-elution, the eluate reacted only with group B red cells. Saliva testing for secretor status shows the presence of B and H substances. Finally, it was classified as a case of Bm (now called Bweak) phenotype. As a precautionary measure, the donor was recalled and a special blood group card was issued with a clear mention of his respective donor and recipient status. This case showed the importance of ABO subgroup determination that can help blood centers to establish defined transfusion protocol and prepare an elaborate rare blood donor registry.

Background and Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in prevaccinated health-care workers (HCWs) and blood donors among different categories (categories A to D) based on their previous SARS-CoV-2 infection status along with a knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) assessment to understand the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on blood transfusion services and to determine their willingness to donate COVID convalescent plasma (CCP). In addition to that, we studied a small cohort of postvaccinated HCWs and blood donors for IgG antibodies to observe the humoral response after COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational, study done in India during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 315 prevaccinated individuals were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody to the spike protein using SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibody kits by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Among them, 134 were blood donors and 181 were HCWs. The postvaccinated cohort consisted of 36 HCWs and 21 blood donors. Results: About 90.56% of donors in category A (blood donors with a history of COVID-19) and 22.22% of donors in category B (blood donors without a history of COVID-19) had IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. In category C (HCWs who had a history of COVID-19), an inverse relationship was observed between the reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction cycle threshold average and the IgG value. Overall, the seroprevalence was more in blood donors compared to the HCWs. The seroconversion rate was 92.9% in the postvaccinated cohort. A positive intent was observed in 64% of donors during the KAP assessment regarding CCP donation. Conclusion: This study throws light on the herd immunity status of the Indian population which could further assist in prioritizing the vaccination programs to high-risk individuals. The KAP studies highlight the need for more awareness programs on blood donation during COVID-19.