Department of Transfusion Medicine

• The Department of Transfusion Medicine (DTM) was established in The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University with Licensed Blood centre on 16th August 2001 with assistance from the Government of Tamilnadu.

• We will provide high quality patient care, pursue research that contributes to our knowledge and practice of transfusion medicine and related technologies, and provide advanced training in transfusion medicine. Together, these programs promote health care for all.

• To strive consistently for safe and effective transfusion practices by constant update and implementation of latest developments in the field of transfusion medicine.

• To create a conducive work environment for superior performance from all staff members.
• To encourage continuous learning, innovative thinking, high quality research and uninhibited exchange of ideas.
• To focus on patients well being and satisfaction.
• To conduct frequent blood donor motivational campaigns, thereby educating public about voluntary blood donation.
• To create awareness about latest trends in blood donation.
• To ensure safe and adequate blood supply through 100% Voluntary Blood donation.
• To insist on rational use of blood and blood components.

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• The Department conducts National Medical Commission recognized MD Post Graduate Course in Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion [ M.D., IH&BT] since 2005 with annual intake of five candidates from the academic year 2017-2018
• Introduction of Postgraduate training programme in Blood Transfusion and Immunohaematology as a distinct specialty would provide adequate trained manpower in the Blood Transfusion services on par with developed countries. This would encourage research in the field of Modern Blood Banking and provide services in an updated manner.

 
• COMPLETED PROJECTS
• University Grants Commission [UGC] Major Project - Evaluation of the Quality of Blood Components.
• University Grants Commission [UGC] Minor Project - Antibodies Screening in Multiply Transfused Patients.
• The Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University Grant Project(2019-2020) -Estimation of Prevalence of Factor VIII Inhibitors in Haemophilia patients.
• The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology funded Project(April 2021 to March 2023) - Seroprevalence of Covid-19 among Voluntary Blood Donors in Chennai.
• IH&BT PG COMPLETED DISSERTATIONS
• Donor adverse reaction
• Platelet alloantibody specificity in multiply transfused patients.
• Detection and identification of unexpected antibodies in Thalassemic patients.
• Transfusion support in Leukemic children.
• Techniques involved in diagnosis of Leptospirosis and prevalence in Voluntary Blood Donors
• Prevalence of occult hepatitis among voluntary blood donors.
• Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Blood Donation
• Prevalence of cytomegalovirus in Voluntary Blood Donors.
• Prevalence of Red cell Antibodies in Antenatal Mothers.
• Comparative Study of Coombs Test :Tube Vs Gel
• A Study of Serum Ferritin levels among voluntary blood donors.
• Malaria Screening among Voluntary blood donors- To find out the Prevalence- To evaluate the Sensitivity of different techniques.
• Type and screen versus Anti human globulin, cross matching – A prospective study
• Estimation of Pro inflammatory Cytokines in stores platelet concentrates prepared by Pre storage Leukofiltered / Non-leuko filtered Platelet Rich Plasma method and Buffy coat method- A Comparative study.
• Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus among voluntary blood donors in Chennai – A cross sectional study.
• Factors influencing therapeutic Efficacy of stem cell transplantation In Hematological malignant patients. – A Prospective Observational Study
• Evaluation of blood utilization practice in obstetrics-A Prospective study.
• Seroprevalence of Dengue virus levels among Voluntary Blood Donors in Chennai -A cross sectional study.
• Evaluating the appropriateness blood component utilization in Burns patients.
• Seroprevalence of Human Parvovirus B19  levels among Voluntary Blood Donors in Chennai-A cross sectional study.
• Analysis of usage of platelet rich plasma in department of cosmetology at tertiary care hospital.
• KAB study  among Voluntary Blood Donors regarding their awareness and willingness to join stem cell registry and to donate hematopoietic stem cells.
• A study on correlation of adverse events with changes in biochemical procedural and  hematological parameter in plateletpheresis donor.
• Prevalence of Factor VIII inhibitors in Hemophilia A patients who on Factor VIII therapy.
• Evaluation of Blood utilization practice among Neonates.
• Evaluation of Coagulation profile and transfusion support in preeclampsia patients.
• Evaluation of DAT positive cases by Elution study.
• Evaluation of levels of coagulation factors V and VIII on storing FFP at different temperature-A study at regional Blood Bank and CEMONC  centre.
• Comparative Study between the Usage of whole Blood and Reconstituted Blood for Exchange Transfusion in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
• Evaluation of Count Increment in Hemato-Oncology Patients Receiving Single Donor Platelet Transfusion
• A study of Transfusion Related Adverse Effects in a Tertiary Care Hospital
• Comparative Study of HIV, HCV and HBV screening by third and fourth generation ELISA among First Time Voluntary Blood Donors
• A Study on Blood Component Utilization Using TEG and  RcoT in Liver Transplantation.
• Seroprevalence of ZIKA virus among voluntary blood donors.
• The role of Thromboelastography to decide appropriate utilization of blood components in obstetric complications.
• Assessment of effectiveness of three different elution methods of DAT positive red blood cells.
• Comparative study on the efficacy of TPE and intravenous immunoglobulin in the clinical outcome of neurological disorders.
• Correlation of Serum Ferritin with MRI assay of Liver Iron Load in Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia Patients.
• Therapeutic effect of Irradiated Apheresis Granulocytes in oncology patients: Cross sectional study.
• Coagulation management and massive transfusion practices in obstetric hemorrhage at a tertiary care centre: Cross sectional study
• Non-cryo preserved peripheral blood stem cell stored at 2 to 4 c for 4days in autologous transplant: Cross sectional study
• Factors determining the outcome of intrauterine transfusion in Hemolytic Diseases of Fetus and Newborn management: Cross sectional study
• Categorizing and resolving ABO discrepancy in regional referral blood centre: Cross sectional study
• Role of Direct Antiglobulin test and Elution Technique in diagnosing Hemolytic Disease of Newborn
• Analysis of blood component utilization in Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• Seroprevalence of Hepatitis-G virus among voluntary blood donors.
• Evaluation of the quality of Platelet concentrates stored for 21 days in Platelet additive Solution at 2 to 8oC.
• IH&BT PG ONGOING DISSERTATIONS
• A descriptive study to assess the outcome profile of paediatric peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in a tertiary care centre.
• Factors determining cognitive impairment in thalassemic patients.
• Screening and identification of red cell alloantibodies in multiparous antenatal mothers.
• An observational study on the clinical outcome of patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange in rat killer poisoning.
• Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of recipient Hemovigilance among nurses in  a government tertiary care hospital.
• Blood donor deferral pattern analysis as an important tool for blood safety
• Evaluation of Ig M & IgG Anti A/B titre by Conventional tube technique and comparison of IgG Anti A/B titre with Column agglutination technology in ABO incompatible Renal transplantation
• Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis Gondii among voluntary blood donors in Chennai-A cross sectional study
• Efficacy of Therapeutic plasma exchange in Rapidly progressive glomerular nephritis – An observational study 
• Evaluation of Therapeutic leukocyte reduction in Leukemia patients- An observational study

 

• Manual of Blood bank techniques – 1st  Edition
• Manual of Blood Banking Techniques – 2nd  Edition
• Manual on Blood Component Preparation-1st Edition
• Rational use of blood and blood components – 1st  Edition, 2010
• Blood component separation – 3rd  Edition, 2010
• Requirements for the Functioning and operation for the Blood Bank
• Training Manual on Blood Bank Techniques-3rd Edition 2014.
• Standard Operating Procedures-1st Edition
• Proceedings on World Congress on Holistic Health-1st Edition, 2018
• Quality Manual -1st Edition, 2018
• Evaluation of DAT Positive AIHA cases by elution study at a Tertiary care centre in South India, Kavitha, Latha B, Swathandran Hamsavardhini ; Biological and pharmaceutical science: 2021,15(03),041-051.
• Seroprevalence of Human Parvovirus B19 among voluntary blood donors in Chennai- A cross sectional Study, Dr ShoganRaj S, Dr Arumugam P, Dr Deepa D International Journal of Scientific Research: Volume-8 | Issue-12 | December-2019
• Seroprevalence of Dengue virus among voluntary blood donors in Chennai: A Cross sectional study. Chitra M, Arumugam P, Ravishankar J. December 2019, Volume 8, Issue 12, ISSN no 2277-8179
• Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus among voluntary blood donors in Chennai – A Cross sectional study, Dr A. Anbarasi, Dr R. Sreedevi, Dr Arumugam, Dr. Swathandran Hamsavardhini, International Journal of Scientific Research; Vol-8, Issue -03, March-2019
• Prevalence and Detection of Leptospirosis among voluntary blood donors, Jeevapriya R. Pushkala. Arumugam P, Arun Rajendran, International Journal of Scientific Research, Volume-8 | Issue-12 | December - 2019 PRINT ISSN No. 2277 - 8179 | DOI : 10.36106/ijsr.
• Prevalence of TTI among voluntary blood donors with different ABO, Rh and Bombay blood group systems-Dr Vijaya Thangaraj, S. Geetha Lakshmi, Dr P. Arumugam, Dr Swathandran Hamsavardhini; Asian Journal of Transfusion science 2019, May 13(Suppl 1): S32-S100.PMCID: PMC6573574.
• Response rate of seroreactive blood donors after notification-Dr Ruth Jenila, Dr Swathandran Hamsavardhini, Dr P. Arumugam. Asian Journal of Transfusion science 2019, May 13(Suppl 1): S32-S100.PMCID: PMC6573574.
• Effect of predonation intake of water and ORS on donor adverse reaction- a comparative study -Dr Kishore Kumar, Dr R. Raj Bharath, Dr P. Arumugam. Asian Journal of Transfusion science 2019, May 13(Suppl 1): S32-S100.PMCID: PMC6573574.
• Awareness of voluntary blood donation among first year undergraduate college students in Chennai – Dr Renuka Pauliah, Prof Dr S. Geetha Lakshmi, Dr P. Arumugam, Dr Swathandran Hamsavardhini. Asian Journal of Transfusion science 2019, May 13(Suppl 1): S32-S100.PMCID: PMC6573574.
• Attitude of voluntary blood donor towards repeat and regular blood donation – a prospective study -Dr Deepak Jothy, Dr P. Arumugam, Dr Geetha Lakshmi, Dr R. Rajbharath. Asian Journal of Transfusion science 2019, May 13(Suppl 1): S32-S100.PMCID: PMC6573574.
• The knowledge, attitude and practice towards blood donation among voluntary blood donors in Chennai, India. S Uma, R Arun, P Arumugam. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR 7 (6), 1043; 2013.
• The prevalence of the hepatitis B core antibody and the occult hepatitis B infection among voluntary blood donors in chennai, India. KS Maheswari, R Arun, P Arumugam.Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR 6 (10), 1710; 2012.
• Patterns of transfusion transmitted infection in past ten years among voluntary blood donors in Chennai-a cross sectional study. ST Radhiga, P Arumugam, S Kalpana, MV Natarajan. IOSR J Pharm Biological Sci 2, 2278-3008; 2012.
• A study of serum ferritin levels among voluntary blood donors. G Deepa Devi, P Arumugam, RST Swathandhran Hamsavardhini. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences 5 (12), 5322; 2017.
• Resolving ABO discrepancies by serological workup-an analysis of few cases.P Arumugam, S Hamsavardhini, J Ravishankar, RR Bharath. Int J Res Med Sci 5 (3), 893-900; 2017.
• Analysis of blood donor deferral causes in Chenna Indiai. R Arun, S Subash, P Arumugam. Int J Med Health Sci 3, 61-65; 2012.
• Prevalence of Rh antigens among voluntary blood donors in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. M Chitra, SY Jagannathan, P Arumugam, J Ravishankar. Int J Res Med Sci 4 (12), 5360-3; 2016.
• Assessment of the quality of fresh frozen plasma and refrozen thawed fresh frozen plasma–A prospective study at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Chennai. D Umesh, P Arumugam. Indian Journal of Pathology and Oncology 5 (2), 286-9; 2018.
• Knowledge and Attitude of Nurses in Organ Donation and the Influence of Interventions-A Systematic Review. M Reena, P Arumugam, SNY Paul, I Kannan Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research 15 (5); 2021.
• The prevalence of secretor status and co-expression of lewis antigen in voluntary blood donors. RR Bharath, P Arumugam. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 7 (5), 93-96; 2016.
• Effects of skin tap technique on intramuscular injection pain. Manju R, Arumugam P, Geethalakshmi S, Proceedings of World Congress On Holistic Health. ISBN-978-93-5300-424-8
• Analysis of factors influencing length of stay in hospital among burns patients, pertaining to blood transfusion - a cross sectional study. MS Jeyaraj Ravishankar, Pothipillai Arumugam, M Chitra. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research 16 (7); 2022.
• Prevalence of Factor VIII Inhibitors In Haemophilia A Patients. Arumugam Pothipillai, Hamsavardhini Swanthandran, Deepak J. International Journal of Scientific Research 11 (02);2022.
• A study on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Organ Donation Among Medical, Dental and Nursing Students in a Tertiary Health Care Setting of Chengalpet District, Tamilnadu, India. IK Manimuthu Reena, Pothipillai Arumugam. International Journal of Current Research and Review 13 (24); 2021.
• Estimation of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Platelet Concentrates Prepared by Buffy Coat Method and Prestorage Leukofiltered/Non-Leukofiltered Platelet Rich Plasma Method- A Comparative Study. R Sreedevi, P Arumugam, S Hamsavardhini. IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) e-ISSN: 2279-0853, p-ISSN: 2279-0861.Volume 18, Issue 2 Ser. 2 (February. 2019), PP 14-24.
•  Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction due to Anti-JK. S Hamsavardhini, P Arumugam. IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS), e-ISSN: 2279-0853, p-ISSN: 2279-0861.Volume 15, Issue 6 Ver. II (june. 2016), PP 140-141.

• Hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti Jka: A case study.
• The prevalence of secretor status and co-expression of Lewis antigen in voluntary blood donors.
• Pregnancy Induced Hemolytic Anemia in an Antenatal Mother: A Rare Case Report.
• Incompatible minor crossmatch due to T-transformed red cells.
• Para- Bombay phenotype: A rare case report.
• Anti-Lewis antibody in Pregnancy.
• Hemolytic Disease of Newborn due to anti-c antibody in an RhD positive mother: A case report.
• Evaluation of the Quality of Fresh Frozen Plasma and refrozen thawed Fresh Frozen Plasma: A Prospective study.
• Cold Agglutinin Disease: How Tube Technique Helped us in Resolving Discrepancy.
• Evaluation of Our Experience on Arterial Puncture Phlebotomy in Whole Blood Donation Practice.
• Prevalence of Rh Antigens among Voluntary Blood Donors in Chennai.
• A Study on  Prevalence of Weak D Antigen Among Voluntary Blood Donors in Chennai.
• Causes and Consequences of Deferral among Voluntary Blood Donors: A Retrospective study.
• “Requirement of Grey Zone” - Evaluation as an Additional Step towards Blood Safety: A Retrospective study.
• TTI and Its Association with Blood Groups among Voluntary Blood Donors: A Retrospective study.
• Packed RBC Utilization Pattern in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.
• Maternal Antibody Titre and Fetal Outcome.
• Screening for Syphilis on Samples Received for EQAS and Voluntary Blood Donors: A Comparative study between RPR and ELISA.
• Evaluation of Red Blood Cell Alloimmunization in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective study
• Quantification of D-Dimer in Assessing the Maternal and Neonatal Outcome in Preeclampsia Patients.
• Frequency of “Unexpected Antibodies” among the Antenatal Mothers in a Regional Blood Centre” Factors Influencing the Engraftment of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Transplantation in Various Hematological Disorders.
• Blood Donor Selection and Deferral Pattern as an Important Tool for Blood Safety in a Regional Blood Centre.
• Performance Analysis of EQAS in Tti as Participating Laboratory
• Preoperative Variables Predicting the Transfusion of Red Blood Cell Requirements in Liver Transplant Recipients.
• A Cross Sectional study to Analyse the Deferral Pattern among Voluntary Blood Donors in a Regional Blood Centre.
• Correlation of positive direct Antiglobulin test and clinical significance in regional reference laboratory.
• Pre harvest CD-34 cell count - a tool for prediction of need for plerixafor in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
• A case series of anti-M antibodies: Experience in an immunohaematological regional referral centre.

• The following papers/posters were presented in the Annual Conference of ISBTI in the years 2009 to 2011. These articles were also published in the PubMed Indexed “Asian Journal of Transfusion Science” in the years 2009 and 2010.
• Evaluation of Blood Donor Deferral causes. (2009)
• Experience in detection of alloantibodies by Gel method and Conventional Tube method in multi-transfused Thalassemic patients. (2009)
• Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Core antibody among voluntary blood donors in Chennai. (2009)
• Distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among the blood donors. (2009)
• Study on Intention and behavioral factors among voluntary blood donors: A Cross sectional study. (2009)
• Importance of reverse blood grouping in Rh negative Bombay Blood group ­multipara: A case report. (2010)
• External quality assessment scheme in red blood cell serology: Our Experience. (2010)
• Role of blood transfusion service in tissue banking. (2010)
• Efficacy of counseling for seropositive donors. (2010)
• Adverse reactions of blood donation in voluntary donors. (2010)
• Impact of blood donation on voluntary donors. (2010)
• Phenotyping of rare blood group antigens. (2010)
• Haemoglobin based Oxygen carriers. (2010)
• Comparison of DAT Using Tube And Gel Technique in Haemato- Oncology Patients. (2011)
• Cryopreservation of Blood Products. (2011)
• Role Of HLA in Stem Cell Transplantation. (2011)
• Proteomics: Applications in Transfusion Medicine. (2011)
• Pathogen Inactivation Methods of Blood Component. (2011)
• Is it Necessary to Do Coombs Cross Match following Antibody Screening in Indian Scenario. (2011)
• Role of Transfusion Medicine in Disaster Management. (2011)
• Role of skin disinfectants in prevention of bacterial Contamination in platelet concentrates. (2011)
• Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Guillain-Barré syndromes. (2011)
• The following papers/posters were presented in the Annual Conference of ISTM in the year 2012. These articles were also published in the PubMed Indexed "Asian Journal of Transfusion Science".
• Accidental Arterial Puncture during Phlebotomy: A Rare Case Report.
• Aint, a rare subgroup of A blood group: A Case report.
• Importance of “Levey- Jenning chart” in quality control of TTI Screening.
• Changing trends in Seroprevalence of Transfusion Transmissible Hepatitis among Voluntary Blood Donors
• Hemovigilance: A Case Report of a ‘Near Miss’ Event in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
• Interpretation of variable strength of agglutination reactions with anti-D antisera.
• Prevalence of Red cell Antibodies in Antenatal Mothers.
• The following papers/posters have been presented in Annual Conference of ISTM. These articles shall be published in the PubMed Indexed “Asian Journal of Transfusion Science” Volume. 8, supplement 1, April 2014 edition.
• A Study of Serum Ferritin Levels Among Voluntary Blood Donors.
• To Determine the Bacterial Contamination in Packed Red Blood Cell Units: A Prospective Study.
• Evaluation of the Quality and extension of shelf life of Packed red blood cells: A Prospective study.
• Serious Hazard of Transfusion Reaction: A Case Report.
• Comparison of haemoglobin Levels in Blood donors by Three Different methods: A Prospective study.
• The following papers/posters have been presented in Annual Conference of ISTM from 14th to 16th November 2014. 
• Age and Gender Distribution of Voluntary Blood Donors.
• Technical Difficulties in Phlebotomy and Blood Inventory Loss.
• Blood Utilization Management in a Transfusion Service.
•  Third Party Quality Control: Our Experience with Virotrol.
• TTI Screening Outcome – Safety Concern for Phlebotomist
• BrdU: An In Vivo Marker of Stem Cell Replication.
• Anti-CD47: A Miracle Cure for Cancer?
 
• The following papers/posters were presented in the Annual Conference of ISTM in the year 2015. These articles were also published in the PubMed Indexed "Asian Journal of Transfusion Science".
• Insight into Disparity between number of projected blood donors vs actual blood units collected in outdoor blood donation camp setup-An observational study.
• Distribution of ABO and Rh blood group system among voluntary blood donors in Chennai.
• Study of donor adverse reactions-Frequency, Predisposing Factors and Preventive measures.
• Proficiency Testing-External Samples for Internal Assesment.
• Tube Technique –Still a Gold Standard in Resolving Group Discrepancy.
• Alloimunisation to both Rh and Kidd system antigens(anti-c and anti-JKa) in a young Thalasemic Patient: A case report.
• Deferred Donors-Whar are we missing?.
• Grey Zone Sample Retesting: Does it enhance the Scope of blood Safety?.
• A Study on the Blood Transfusion Practice in the First Trimester of Pregnancy.
• A Study on the Blood Transfusion Practice in the Ectopic Pregnancy Management.
• Visual inspection – an important parameter in the quality control of blood components.
• The following papers/posters were presented in the Annual Conference of ISTM in the year 2016. These articles were also published in the PubMed Indexed "Asian Journal of Transfusion Science".
• Transition from whole blood to plateletpheresis donation among voluntary blood donors – observational study.
• Evaluation of Anti- A  and Anti – B titres among Group 'O'  voluntary blood donors.
• Comparison of Activated partial thromboplastin time, Prothrombin time & Fibrinogen levels in FFP on freezing and thawing of plasma.
• Awareness about Transfusion Transmitted Infection among repeat voluntary blood donors.
• A survey of attitude of obstetricians and anaesthesiologists towards blood transfusion in anaemic mothers planned for caeserean section.
• Study on correlation between adverse reactions and phlebotomy site among voluntary blood donors.
• A scarce resource platelet concentrates – an audit.
• The following papers/posters were presented in the Annual Conference of ISTM in the year 2017. These articles were also published in the PubMed Indexed "Asian Journal of Transfusion Science".
• Impact of ABO blood groups on adverse maternal outcome.
• Retrospective analysis of alloimmunisation among thalassemic children at regional blood bank laboratory.
• Antenatal maternal serum IAT titre and periodic fetal monitoring prior to IUT- the useful predictors of fetal outcome.
• Comparative analysis  of Hb estimation in cell counter and CuSo4 specific gravity method in deferred blood donors.
• Predonation water intake with outcome on donor adverse reactions.
• A study of blood component utilization in a tertiary care hospital.
• Awareness about Transfusion Transmitted Infection among repeat voluntary blood donors .Quality Indicator (QI) –TTI percentage in regional blood bank centre.
• A survey of attitude of obstetricians and anesthesiologists towards blood transfusion in anaemic mothers planned for cesarean section. A study on analysis of deferred blood donors in a regional blood bank centre.
• Substantial role of changes during plateletpheresis to avert adverse reactions.
• The following papers/posters were presented in the Annual Conference of ISTM in the year 2018. These articles were also published in the PubMed Indexed "Asian Journal of Transfusion Science".
• Presentation of Anti-M at wide thermal amplitude and its clinical/laboratory significance.
• Donor Haemovigilance – a retrospective study.
• Incidence of Fibrinolysis and efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in liver transplant patients.
• Preoperative predictive factors and utilization of blood components in liver transplant patients.
• A retrospective analysis of appropriate utilization of Fresh Frozen Plasma in a tertiary care hospital with reference to evidence based guidelines.
• Discordant results observed between ELISA and Rapid Card tests for quality control of HIV, HBsAg & HCV screening kits.
• Single donor platelets – collection criteria, quality control and utilization – 1 year observational study.
• Prevalence of TTI among voluntary blood donors with different ABO, Rh and Bombay blood group systems.
• Role of predonation motivation and education about voluntary blood donation” in retention of blood donors.
• Response rate of seroreactive blood donors after notification.
• Effect of predonation intake of water and ORS on donor adverse reaction – a comparative study.
• Awareness of voluntary blood donation among first year undergraduate college students in Chennai.
• The following papers/posters were presented in the Annual Conference of ISTM in the year 2019. These articles were also published in the PubMed Indexed "Asian Journal of Transfusion Science".
• Evaluation of Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and its clinical significance
• Partial DVI phenotype – immunohematological workup and its clinical importance
• Quality Indicators: a tool for continuous performance improvement.
• Blood component utilization in obstetric hemorrhage.
• Effect of grey zone retesting in enhancing blood safety – a retrospective study.
• Impact of donor variables on single donor platelet collection efficiency
• A rare case of Para Bombay phenotype
• Impact of lower limit predonation blood pressure on vasovagal reaction
• Quantitative analysis of female deferred donors owing to low hemoglobin: are we missing out female donors?
• Vein score tool to assess donor vein suitability for blood donation
• Comparison of platelet yield obtained from fresh and stored buffy coated method
• Impact of predonation counselling on TTI
• The following papers/posters were presented in the ISBTI National Level Virtual Conference held on February 2021
• Intrauterine transfusion and its outcome
• Data logger in blood bank-Impact in cold chain Maintenance
• Safety and efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange in Autoimmune neurological disorders
• Blood group discrepancy in acute leukemia -a case report
• Red cell alloimmunisation &its significance – 2 year study in regional referral center
• Therapeutic effect of irradiated apheresis granulocytes in Hemato-oncology patients – one year study from tertiary care centre
• A study on acute adverse reactions of blood transfusion in a tertiary care centre
• Blood donor selection and deferral pattern ; an important  tool for blood safety
• A typology of blood donor motivation in a regional centre
• Inventory management during covid-19 at a regional blood centre
• The following papers/posters were presented in the Annual Conference of ISTM in the year 2021. These articles were also published in the PubMed Indexed "Asian Journal of Transfusion Science".
• Utilisation of Blood and Components in A Tertiary Care Centre.
• Study of Prevalence of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia.
• Seroprevalence of Transfusion Transmitted Infections among blood donors at a Tertiary Care Blood Centre in Chennai
• Anti K antibody - Case report
• Blood donors' perspectives and expectations on blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The following papers/posters were presented in the ISBTI National Level Virtual Conference held on March 2022
• Retrospective Analysis Of Grouping Discrepancies In A Tertiary Care Centre
• High Blood Pressure – A Deferral Criteria Analysis Among Young Voluntary Blood Donors
• The following papers/posters were presented in the Annual Conference of ISTM in the year 2022. These articles were also published in the PubMed Indexed "Asian Journal of Transfusion Science".
• Trends of blood donation during Covid-19 pandemic.
• Adverse donor reactions (ADR) to whole blood donation in voluntary blood donors
• Bombay Rh Negative in pregnant women
• Response rate of Seropositive donors.
• Blood donor selection and deferral pattern
• Hemolytic manifestations of a newborn to multiparous woman with ABO & Rh antibodies- a case report.
 

• Fully equipped Licensed Blood Bank is engaged in Blood collection from voluntary non-remunerated donors. The collected blood will be screened for transfusion transmitted infections, separated into components, stored at optimum temperatures and after pre-transfusion testing appropriate components are issued to the needy.
• The department conducts frequent public awareness campaigns and motivates people to donate blood. The department prepares and issues blood components to minimize the unwanted side-effects and maintain the adequate supply of blood. Our blood bank conducts regular voluntary blood donation camps to achieve 100% voluntary blood donation.

• Voluntary blood donors are the cornerstone of a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products. The safest blood donors are voluntary, non- remunerated blood donors from low-risk populations.
• For a safe blood service in our country, where comprehensive laboratory tests are neither possible nor pragmatic, it is best to switch over to 100% voluntary donations, as it is now established that only voluntary non-remunerated regular donation is the safest. Thus, one of our key strategies to enhance blood safety is blood from non-remunerated blood donors and phasing out even replacement donors.
• Less than 1% of the eligible Indian population donates blood every year; this is far less than average rate of 5% in the Western world. When you donate blood, you become part of an exceptional group that is dedicated to alleviate the human suffering.
• The fact is that human blood has no substitute and it cannot be manufactured.
• Blood Donation Procedure
• Blood donation is a simple procedure. It consists of 5 steps.
• Registration: Your personal details such as name, age, demographic information will be recorded and you will be a given a questionnaire to assess your present and past health status. You should give correct and complete address for communication if there is any abnormality in laboratory test.
• Medical Examination: A doctor will ask you certain questions about your medical history to ascertain that you are fit to donate blood and examine you. Your weight, blood pressure and pulse will be recorded. Only fit and healthy individuals are accepted as donors.
• Hemoglobin Test: Your blood hemoglobin level will be checked to ensure that you are not suffering from anemia and can safely donate a unit of blood.
• Donation of Blood: Your blood will be withdrawn with the help of a sterile and disposable kit after cleaning your arm with an antiseptic solution. All together, the process takes only 5 to 7 minutes.
• Refreshment: After donation of blood, you will be advised to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you resume your routine activities. During this period, you will be served with some light refreshments

• Blood Processing Laboratory
• The Blood Bank is licensed by the Drugs Controller of India.
• Activities of this laboratory include,
• Donor blood processing: Tests for determining the ABO group & Rh type, detecting unexpected antibodies to red cell antigens, confirmation of Rh negative status by Du testing, resolving ABO discrepancies, etc
• Cross matching and Issue of blood and components.
• Blood Component Laboratory
• Blood is a precious human resource. To exercise maximum economy in its use, every unit of blood is separated into various components, such as packed red cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate .
• Transfusion Transmitted Infection Screening Laboratory
• Provision of safe blood is of utmost priority. Every unit of blood is screened for HbsAg, Anti-HIV 1&2, Anti-HCV, VDRL and Malaria.
• Immunohematology Laboratory
• Various investigations that are performed include, DAT, IAT, Elution tests, antibody screening, antibody identification & titer, RBC Phenotyping, Saliva screening test, Cryoglobulin test, Cold antibodies etc.
• Quality Control Laboratory
• To achieve objectives of supply of quality and safe blood, strict adherence to quality control at all phases of donor selection, screening & processing of blood & serological procedures for grouping and typing of blood are being followed routinely. All reagents, antisera, blood components and equipments are subjected to strict quality checks at periodic intervals according to the standards.
• National AIDS Control Organization has identified our Blood Bank as the Regional Centre for conducting External Quality Control.
• Our Laboratory is also participating in External Quality Assessment Programme (EQAS) conducted by Christian Medical College, Vellore.

• The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society and Chennai Corporation of AIDS Prevention and Control Society have recognized this institution as a regional training centre for Blood Bank Medical Officers, Lab Technicians, Staff Nurses, Counselors, Social Workers and Drug Inspectors.
• So far about 180 such programs have been conducted on blood bank techniques, blood component separation, rational use of blood and blood components, Donor Motivation and Counseling. Preparation of standard operating procedures and statutory requirements for blood bank.

  Statistics

• A blood donor must
• Be in good general health
• Be aged 18 years or older but less than 60 years
• Weigh at least 45 Kg
• Have a hemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dl
• Not have donated blood in the last 3 months

• Do not donate blood if you have any of these conditions
• Cold/fever in the past 1 week.
• Under treatment with antibiotics or any other medication.
• Cardiac problems, hypertension, epilepsy, diabetes (on insulin therapy), history of cancer, chronic kidney or liver disease, bleeding tendencies, venereal disease etc.
• Major surgery in the last 6 months or minor surgery in the past 3 months
• Had jaundice or hepatitis or been positive for hepatitis B or C virus
• Had tooth extraction 3 days back or dental surgery 1 month back
• Had fainting attacks during last donation.
• Have regularly received treatment with blood products.
• Shared a needle to inject drugs/ have history of drug addiction.
• Had sexual relations with different partners or with a high risk individual or if male had sex with another male.
• Been tested positive for antibodies to HIV.
• Had any endocrinal problem
• Females should not donate blood during pregnancy.
• They can donate after 6 months following delivery and when they are not breast feeding.
• Have regularly received treatment with blood products.
• Females should not donate blood if they are having heavy menstrual flow or menstrual cramps
• Had a miscarriage in the last 6 months
• Health of the blood is ensured before and after collecting it. The donor is expected to be honest about his or her health history and current condition. The collected blood is tested for HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis and Malaria. A donor has to be healthy to give 'safe and quality blood'

• There is virtually no danger. Only sterile and disposable needles are used to collect blood. There is absolutely no chance of catching any infectious disease by donating blood.

• It is safe to donate blood once in every three months.

• Since blood contains iron (which is essential for making new red blood cells), donating blood more often than every 3 months causes the body to lose iron faster than it can be made up from iron-containing foods in our diet. As a result the donor could develop iron deficiency anemia, causing him/her to feel weak and tired.

• One unit of blood can save 4 lives (Through components).

• The likelihood of this happening is minimal. You should eat before donating and drink extra fluids, especially after your donation.

• Giving blood is not painful. You may feel a pinch in the beginning lasting only a couple of seconds.

• No. It is perfectly healthy to donate blood once in every 3 months for an individual.

• Absolutely not! All equipments used to collect blood are sterile. These items are used once and discarded. Blood collections are performed by professionally trained blood bank personnel whose primary concern is your safety and the safety of the blood to be transfused.

• There are four components in blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Red blood cells supply oxygen to various parts of the body. White blood cells fight against disease or infections. Plasma carries nutrients, clotting factors and enzymes. Platelets help clot the blood to prevent excessive bleeding. Today, doctors transfuse individual blood components based upon the patient’s needs. Major categories of patient needs include: cancer therapy, organ transplants, accident victims and people undergoing elective surgical procedures.

• Product Shelf-life
• Red cells – 35 days
• Platelets - 5 days
• Fresh frozen plasma - 1 year

• To organize a blood donation camp, please contact the Head, Department of Transfusion Medicine, The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R.Medical University with an official letter requesting for organization of camp.

• Blood has several components, including red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Donor apheresis is a special type of blood donation in which a specific component, viz. platelets, granulocytes (white cells) plasma or plasma is withdrawn from the donor using a special equipment called as cell separator; the remaining components are returned to the donor's blood circulation. This procedure takes about 90 minutes during which time the donor is constantly monitored by trained medical personnel.

• Platelet concentrate prepared from one unit of whole blood contains very few platelets. Six to ten such whole-blood derived platelets would be required to supply enough platelets for one patient. However, platelets donated during one apheresis session by one donor are sufficient for one transfusion, thus reducing the chance of transfusion transmitted infections. Patients with cancer or leukemia or patients with blood disorders benefit immensely from such plateletpheresis.
• The donor benefits too since there are no loss of red cells. One can donate apheresis components more frequently than whole blood donation.

• Any healthy person who meets the criteria for whole blood donation is eligible for apheresis donation.

 
•  Donor Forms & Questionnaire - English
 
•  Donor Forms & Questionnaire - Tamil
 
•  Certificate of Appreciation  
 

• Started MCI recognized M.D (IH&BT) Course in the year 2005, first of its kind in south India.
• So far fourteen postgraduates have completed this course and obtained degree from this University.
• The Department has conducted 180 training programmes, 374 camps and collected 19284 blood units and prepared 38762 blood components so far.
• The department received ‘The Best Training Centre Special Award’ from His Excellency; The Governor of Tamilnadu on 30th September, 2008 at Raj Bhavan, during the celebration of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, 2008 organized by TANSACS.
• Award received for making a documentary film “Manitha Kadavul” to motivate voluntary blood donation, from the Honorable Minister for Health & Family Welfare during the celebration of National Voluntary Blood Donors Day, 2010 organized by TANSACS.
• Participated in Fujio Cup Quiz on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine conducted by NCRM on 11th October 2008 and received audience prize.
• Participated in Fujio Cup Quiz – 2007on stem cell research conducted by NCRM and won second prize.
• The MCI has permitted the Department to increase the number of seats from 2(two) to 3(three) from the academic year 2013-2014.

• World Blood Donor Day
• World Blood Donor day is being observed on Karl Landsteiner’s Birthday, 14th June every year to recognize the services rendered by the Voluntary Blood Donors. 
 
•  Future Project
• Cord Blood Banking
• NAT Screening
• Hemophilia & Thalassemia Clinic
 

Dr. P. ARUMUGAM, M.D.,
Professor and HOD,
Department of Transfusion Medicine,
The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University,
No.69, Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai – 32.
Phone: 044 – 22353546, 044 – 22353547
Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.