'Old is Gold' Does Conventional Test Tube Method Still Reign Supreme? an Immuno-Haematological Survey of Anti-D Detection and Titration in Ante-Natal Cases among Major Hospitals Across India.

INTRODUCTION:Anti-D detection and titration plays a major role in RhD negative antenatal cases both, for monitoring maternal as well as fetal status as well as initiation of early therapeutic interventions, such as intra-uterine transfusions (IUT) to improve maternal as well as fetal morbidity and mortality and reduce the adverse effects of haemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN). We conducted a survey focusing on the policies and procedures of anti-D detection and titration among major tertiary care centres across India. METHODOLOGY:The survey was drafted by a working group of transfusion medicine and immunohematology specialists from six different centres in India. Data were obtained via the use of an online questionnaire. RESULTS:Results were categorised into four categories, Hospital information, immuno-haematological testing methodology, clinical significance of anti-D testing and the role of transfusion medicine specialists. The survey highlighted the modalities as well as the methodologies of anti-D detection and titration in antenatal women across different major tertiary care centres in India. CONCLUSION:This survey provided a unique snapshot of the prevalent methodologies being employed by major tertiary care centres across the country for detection and titration of anti-D levels as well as the important role it plays in the therapy of affected antenatal women to minimise adverse effects on the fetus.