The evolution of immunohematology in South Asian countries.

Many factors have resulted in the slow development of transfusion services in some South Asian countries. Despite difficulties, there have been some excellent developments and the outlook for the future is very positive. The biggest problems relate to the availability of the truly voluntary altruistic blood donors and considerable work is still needed to upgrade this aspect of the work.

A high incidence of polymorphic CYP2C19 variants in archival blood samples from Papua New Guinea.

There is considerable inter-ethnic variability in the incidence of CYP2C19 genetic poor metabolisers ( var / var ). About 3 per cent of Caucasians are CYP2C19 var/var . By contrast, an extremely high incidence (70 per cent) is observed in the Melanesian island of Vanuatu.

An immunohematological 'Wet' workshop.

A practical workshop on 'Immunohematology' was conducted in conjunction with the Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohaematology annual scientific program. The participants, from many parts of India, were able to obtain valuable practice in key areas of blood group serology and by the end of the workshop were able to carry out 'tube' techniques for antibody detection and identification. Column agglutination methods were also demonstrated.

Road blocks in achieving a 100% voluntary blood donation rate in the South Asian region.

Voluntary blood donation rates are not high in the South Asian region, except in a few countries. The reasons for this are outlined and the roadblocks for improvement of the situation noted. The need for increased planning, both regionally and nationally, is emphasized and some factors that inhibit voluntary blood donation are mentioned.

Soil-transmitted helminth infection, skin infection, anaemia, and growth retardation in schoolchildren of Taveuni Island, Fiji.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of hookworm, ascaris, and trichuris infection; as well as anaemia, growth retardation, scabies, and impetigo; in schoolchildren of Taveuni Island, Fiji.

Methods: Schoolchildren from five villages on Taveuni Island were examined and had their haemoglobin concentration measured on a finger-prick blood sample. In addition, they had a faecal sample examined for the presence of helminth ova.

Rare blood donors: the past and the future.

For many years, there has been a clinical requirement for the provision of units of rare blood for patients with either single or multiple blood group antibodies present. To co-ordinate this need, the Rare Blood Donor Working Party of the International Society of Blood Transfusion was established in 1985. Since then, the Working Party has been active in promoting information on the procedures and methods for testing, packaging, transport and delivery of rare blood internationally.