FREQUENCY OF RED BLOOD CELL ANTIGENS AND PREVALENCE OF IREGULAR ANTIBODIES AMONG BLOOD DONORS IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
Keywords:
erythrocyte antigens, irregular antibodies, blood donors, transfusion safety, immunohematologyAbstract
In contemporary transfusion medicine, accurate knowledge of erythrocyte antigen distributions and the prevalence of irregular erythrocyte antibodies is essential for safe, effective blood transfusion practices. This thesis analyzes the frequency of erythrocyte antigens and determines the prevalence of irregular erythrocyte antibodies among blood donors in the Republic of North Macedonia.
The study is based on blood samples from voluntary donors, analyzed using standardized immunohematological methods for blood grouping, antigen typing, and antibody screening. Special attention is given to the ABO and Rh blood group systems, as well as clinically significant antigens from other blood group systems, including Kell, Duffy, Kidd, and MNS.
Detecting irregular antibodies is clinically important because they can cause hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Early identification helps prevent adverse transfusion outcomes and improves patient safety.
The results provide insight into the immunohematological profile of the donor population and highlight the distribution of both high and low frequency erythrocyte antigens. The findings also indicate the proportion of donors with clinically significant irregular antibodies, which is crucial for planning safe transfusion strategies and maintaining adequate blood bank inventories.
This study emphasizes the importance of continuous screening, proper documentation, and the establishment of donor registries, especially for individuals with rare blood group phenotypes. Such measures facilitate the timely identification of compatible blood units for patients with complex transfusion requirements.
Additionally, the study identifies potential variations in antigen distribution relative to other European populations, providing a broader epidemiological context. The data may support the development of targeted donor recruitment strategies, particularly for rare blood group phenotypes. Furthermore, the findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced immunohematological testing methods into routine transfusion practice to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
In conclusion, the data obtained in this thesis contribute to a better understanding of the genetic and immunological diversity of the population in North Macedonia. The results can be used to optimize transfusion protocols, enhance the safety of blood transfusion procedures, and support the development of national guidelines in immunohematology.
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