Transfus Apher Sci
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As the demand for kidney transplantation is constantly growing methods to expand the donor pool have become increasingly important. ABO-incompatibility has hitherto been regarded as an absolute contraindication to living donor donation. However, as ABO-incompatibility has accounted for the majority of living donor exclusions, efforts have been made to overcome this immunologic barrier. ⋯ We conclude that AB0-incompatible kidney transplantation using a protocol based on antigen-specific immunoadsorption and rituximab, in combination with triple immunosuppressive therapy is safe and effective. ABO-incompatibility following this protocol does not have a negative impact on graft function. ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation is equivalent to standard ABO-compatible living donor kidney transplantation.
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Comparative Study
Estimation of hemoglobin in blood donors: A comparative study using hemocue and cell counter.
Hemoglobin estimation is an integral part of donor screening in blood banks. Various methods are available for hemoglobin estimation and each one of them has its advantages and limitations. ⋯ We conducted a study involving 535 donors with an aim to assess the accuracy of hemocue readings and compared it with cell counter values. We also compared the hemocue readings using capillary blood with the venous blood.