Is D<Sup>U</Sup> Phenotype Testing A Necessity In Blood Bank Practice In Nigeria?

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the necessity of D^u Phenotype testing in blood bank practice in Nigeria.

Design: Cross-sectional study

Setting: Three health institutions within Port Harcourt metropolis: The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Braithewaite Memorial Hospital, Port Harcourt and Orogbum comprehensive health centre, Port Harcourt.

Sample: One hundred and fifty Rhesus Negative Pregnant women.

Method: Three milliliters (mls) of blood was collected from each subject by venepuncture, into 10mls strerilin containers and the red cells were then separated from the serum before embarking on the two stage D^u testing. (According to Dacie and Lewis)

Results: 105 Rhesus Negative pregnant females were tested out of which only 1 (0.95%) was D^u phenotype positive while the rest 104 (99.05%) were D^u phenotype Negative (True Rhesus Negative).

Conclusion: The pattern of D^u phenotype appears not to be uniform in Nigeria. It is high in Western Nigeria and low in the South Eastern and Niger Delta, while the incidences in Northern Nigeria is yet to be evaluated. Hence, D^u phenotype testing may be necessary, if not mandatory in areas of high incidence while it may not be necessary in areas of low incidence. More studies are required to evaluate the rationale approach to D^u testing in Northern Nigeria.

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.5(2) 2002: 120-122