Comparison of titer results obtained using immediate spin one-dilution techniques to a reference method

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Immunology
• Clinical Laboratory Science

Background:

• Transfusion services commonly use one-dilution titers to assess incompatible plasma-containing products.
• Evaluating the accuracy of immediate spin (IS) one-dilution titer methods is crucial for blood product safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of three different immediate spin (IS) one-dilution titer methods against a reference standard method.
• To determine the suitability of these methods for screening plasma-containing products in transfusion services.

Main Methods:

• Three immediate spin (IS) one-dilution titer methods were evaluated: manual IS tube, manual and automated IS buffered gel card, and automated microplate.
• These methods were compared against a reference standard method involving saline tube testing with a 1-hour room temperature incubation.
• No time or temperature incubations were performed for the routine IS methods, and antihuman globulin reagent was not used in any method.

Main Results:

• The manual IS tube method demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.88 and specificity of 1.00.
• The manual and automated IS buffered gel card method showed a sensitivity of 0.95 and specificity of 0.87.
• The automated microplate IS method had a sensitivity of 0.76 and specificity of 0.96.
• All tested methods achieved an overall accuracy rate of 90% or greater.

Conclusions:

• Both manual and automated one-dilution titer methods are effective for screening plasma-containing units.
• Further evaluation of the automated microplate method is recommended for optimal use in transfusion services.