Serology of Blood Group A2 in Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore

Background:A1 and A2 are major subgroups of blood group A and have potential to cause transfusion reactions as well as blood group discrepancy and incompatible cross-matching. Prior knowledge and identification of ABO blood group subgroups is critical in blood transfusion and transplantation. Finding the right donor at the right moment and place can be difficult in-patient care. So necessary blood typing is required. Methods:This Cross-sectional study wasperformed in Jinnah Hospital and Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore between March 2023 and August 2023. Two hundred and forty-seven (247) healthy whole blood donors with blood group A were selected. ABO blood group status was determined using anti-A and anti-B antisera. Anti-A1 lectin was used to further subtype blood group A, classifying them into A1 and A2 categories. Furthermore, reverse typing with in-house prepared A1 cells, B cells and O cells was performed to detect anti- A1 antibodies. Conclusion:Blood Group A2 is a less frequent blood group in population of Lahore. Anti A1 antibodies are capable of causing fatal transfusion reactions as well as blood group discrepancy and incompatible cross-matching. Reverse typing and anti-A1 lectin testing should both be performed asroutine testing.