🧬 DNA Testing for Identifying Dead Bodies: How It Works and Why It Matters By HealthRaise | Science Behind the Scenes In tragic incidents like plane crashes or natural disasters, identifying the deceased becomes a crucial step for both legal and emotional closure. When the body is unrecognizable due to severe trauma or decomposition, traditional methods like visual recognition or fingerprinting often fail. In such situations, DNA testing becomes the most reliable and scientific tool for identification. This is exactly what we are witnessing in the recent Air India Ahmedabad case , where authorities are using DNA tests to identify the remains of victims and match them with their relatives. 🧬 What is DNA Testing? DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the unique genetic code found in every cell of the human body. Except for identical twins, no two individuals share the same DNA. That’s why DNA testing is considered the gold standard in forensic identification. 🔬 How is DNA Test...
Introduction
Blood transfusions are life-saving, but they also carry risks if compatibility is not carefully verified. One of the most critical safety checks is crossmatching, performed in the blood bank before transfusion. In this post on Health Raise, we’ll break down how crossmatch testing is performed, its types, and its role in ensuring transfusion safety.
[Blood Compatibility Chart – ABO & Rh System]
1. What is Crossmatching?
Crossmatching is a laboratory procedure used to assess compatibility between a donor’s red blood cells and a recipient’s plasma. It aims to detect any immune reaction that may occur if the recipient's body recognizes the donor blood as foreign.
There are two main types:
Major Crossmatch – Tests recipient plasma against donor red cells.
Minor Crossmatch – Tests donor plasma against recipient red cells (rarely used today due to component therapy).
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2. Pre-Crossmatch Preparations
Sample Collection: Blood is drawn from both donor and recipient, labeled carefully to prevent errors.
ABO and Rh Typing: Blood group and Rh factor are confirmed for both.
Antibody Screening: The recipient’s plasma is screened for unexpected antibodies (e.g., anti-K, anti-D) using panel cells.
[Workflow of Crossmatch Testing – from collection to compatibility report]
3. Performing the Crossmatch Test
The most commonly used method is the Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT):
Step 1: Mixing
Combine the donor’s red blood cells (washed and suspended in saline) with the recipient’s plasma.
Step 2: Incubation
Incubate the mixture at 37°C to allow antigen-antibody interactions.
Step 3: Addition of Anti-Human Globulin (AHG)
After incubation, wash the mixture and add AHG reagent. If there are antibodies attached to red cells, this will trigger agglutination.
Step 4: Interpretation
Agglutination = Incompatible
No Agglutination = Compatible
4. Reporting and Transfusion Decision
If the crossmatch is compatible:
The blood unit is labeled and cleared for transfusion. If incompatible:
A different donor unit is tested.
Special antigen-negative units may be needed if antibodies are present.
5. Why Crossmatching is Crucial
Prevents acute hemolytic transfusion reactions
Ensures the immune system doesn’t attack transfused red cells
Adds an extra layer of safety beyond basic blood grouping
Conclusion
Crossmatch testing is an essential step in the transfusion process that helps protect patients from life-threatening reactions. With a combination of blood typing, antibody screening, and crossmatching, modern transfusion medicine ensures safe and effective treatment.
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