Erythrocyte T-activation: clinical importance & recognition by a simple routine technique

Erythrocyte T-activation is reported in association with bacterial infections. Although it is an unfrequent phenomenon, it has been reported in cases of septicaemia and necrotizing enterocolitis. It is important to recognize these cases as, transfusion of blood & blood products and lead to haemolytic--transfusion reactions. Here we report a case of T-activation detected during routine immunohaematological procedure in the blood transfusion laboratory. This also emphasizes the role of a routine, cost-effective test to diagnose cases of T-activation.