Authors
Dr. Sajith Vilambil, Professor (CAP), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Government Medical College, Wayanad & District Nodal Officer for Blood Transfusion Services, Thrissur
Abstract
Transfusion Medicine is a rapidly developing clinical entity. Since no artificial substitute is available for major elements in blood, a safe transfusion chain is quite essential. Efficient blood donor recruitment is most important in transfusion services. Blood component separation and technologies like apheresis have helped in utilizing available resources to their maximum potential. Transfusion Transmitted Disease testing and immunohematological investigations have evolved continually to maintain the highest quality. The methodology for testing for TTDs has shifted to better versions of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), and additionally Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT). Automation and more sensitive platforms for immunohematological testing have helped in attaining precision and decreasing workload. Nowadays, clinical transfusion practice is having well-established policies, guidelines, audits, training etc. This has helped in maintaining the quality of services from vein to vein. Therapeutic apheresis is the mainstay of treatment for many diseases. Research is ongoing for the development of RBC and platelet substitutes. Regenerative medicine is rapidly evolving to its best potential. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the most frequently used cell therapy and is used to treat a variety of blood cancers and hematologic conditions. Apart from bone marrow and peripheral blood, the umbilical cord has been recognized as an alternate source of stem cells. Slowly, tissue banking is gaining its importance. Intrauterine transfusion is a novel modality that saves the fetus from anaemia or thrombocytopenia and its complications. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are gaining popularity for a variety of conditions, from sports injuries to hair loss. Likewise, Autologous platelet gel has many applications in sports medicine, dermatology, surgery etc. These rapid advances along with good governance promise better transfusion practice and patient care in upcoming years.
Keywords: Blood, Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Immunohematology, Platelets, Transfusion, Transplantation