Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Ni sa bula Vinaka, Kia Orana, Ia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi atu, Noa’ia, Aloha, Mālō ni, Kia Ora
Secretor status and susceptibility to haemolysis following transfusion of intravenous immunoglobulin, platelets, and plasma. We are looking for Pacific volunteers to take part in a study to investigate why some people experience haemolysis of their red blood cells after transfusion of blood components. Differences in one of the blood groups known as “secretor” may play a part in susceptibility to this problem. Pacific, Māori, and Chinese people frequently possess a blood type where the amount of secreted blood group substance is less than for Caucasian people and this may make them more susceptible.
This research will investigate whether ABO blood group and secretor type correlate with haemolysis. We will do this by testing participants’ blood samples with ABO antibodies in the laboratory and measure the amount of lysis produced. This work could help to understand the problem of haemolysis after transfusion of some blood components, and thereby influence transfusion monitoring and practice to make it safer.
We are interested in all Pacific people aged between 16 and 65. We will need two 5 mL blood samples from each participant, which will be collected by phlebotomy staff at any Awanui Labs collection centre in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Participants will be given a $20 New World voucher to compensate the cost of parking and travel to the collection centre. The time commitment to participants is expected to be no more than one hour. You can also find out your blood group by participating in this study. If you are interested in participating, please contact Holly Perry via email or mobile 021 133 1115. Thank you!