High-Sensitivity ORTHO Workstation Immunohematology Systems Launched in 5 Regional Blood Bank Branches

Since January 2024, residents of five regions in Armenia have gained access to blood components that meet international standards of immunohematological safety.

High-sensitivity ORTHO Workstation systems for advanced immunohematological testing have been installed in five regional branches of the Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center, located in the Lori, Shirak, Armavir, Kotayk, and Syunik regions. 

The ORTHO Workstation systems enable advanced immunohematological testing and the precise typing of the 10 most clinically significant erythrocyte antigens. This includes determining donor and recipient blood group compatibility across the ABO, Rh-Hr (Dd/Cc/Ee), and KEL (K1) systems. The implementation of these systems allows for the following:

• Professional selection of blood components, enabling faster identification of compatible components for recipients.
• Prevention of alloimmunization, by avoiding transfusion of erythrocytes that are individually compatible but capable of triggering immune responses.
• Execution of the second, antiglobulin phase of the “crossmatch” compatibility test using the highly sensitive and irreplaceable indirect Coombs test.
• Detection and identification of alloimmune anti-erythrocyte antibodies in donors and recipients using the indirect Coombs test, including antibody titer measurement when needed (e.g., anti-D antibodies of the Rh system). 
• Identification of fixed anti-erythrocyte antibodies through the direct Coombs test.

These advancements significantly enhance the safety and precision of blood transfusion practices in Armenia’s regional healthcare system.