Gel Technology: An Easy and Useful Method for Estimating Fetomaternal Hemorrhage in the Blood Banks of Developing Nations

Background: Blood bank laboratories in developing countries with limited technical expertise can adapt the simple and rapid gel technology (GAT) to estimate fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH). We present our experience of the utility of GAT in the detection and measurement of FMH. Methods: Stock solutions (n=17) of 7 serial dilutions containing appropriate concentrations of both fetal RhD positive and adult RhD negative cells were prepared. Both the Kleihauer-Betke technique (KBT) and GAT were performed on all samples. Results: The efficiency of GAT was more appreciated when the fetal cell contamination was ≥0.25%. A calibration curve was developed using a known serial concentration of fetal RhD positive and maternal RhD negative RBCs, which determines the volume of FMH by depicting the agglutination reaction against a particular anti-D dilution. Conclusions: Blood banks using gel technology for red cell serology can adapt GAT to screen FMH.