HMC Department of Laboratory Medicine holds first immunohematology workshop

The Transfusion Medicine division (TRM) under the leadership and direction of Dr Einas AbdulAziz al-Kuwari, chairperson, of the internationally accredited Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), recently organised the First Advancing Immunohematology Skills and Advanced Wet Workshop.HMC provides national laboratory testing services and the department conducted more than 21,686,820 laboratory tests in 2023, of which over 2mn were blood samples. This specialised training was aimed to enhance the immunohematology skills of Transfusion Medicine laboratory staff and to ensure the safest and highest quality of transfusion care is administered to every patient.The three-day professional development activity was conducted by International Transfusion Medicine experts from the Asian Association of Transfusion Medicine (AATM). During this hands-on workshop, participants had the opportunity to practice their antibody detection and identification skills through practical exercises. The wet workshop enabled participants to utilize specialty products to practice complex immunohematology testing to enhance their skills.Prof Walid al-Wali, senior consultant and vice chair for Clinical Pathology at DLMP gave the welcoming speech, and Dr Sara Adel Salim, head of Transfusion Medicine at HMC and organiser of the workshop scientific programme, highlighted the TRM division's passion for promoting the use of cutting-edge technologies and best practice methodologies to tackle the most complex and intricate challenges in transfusion medicine.Dr Aysha al-Malki, executive director of the Transfusion Medicine division at HMC & chairperson of the workshop Scientific Planning Committee, explained: "To minimise the risk of transfusion reactions and complications, it is crucial to prioritise regular antibody detection in the blood bank laboratory. As the primary blood testing centre in Qatar, we routinely conduct red cell antibody detection tests and identification procedures that align with international standards. This workshop aims to raise awareness about the importance of these routine investigations and enhance the technical expertise of blood bank personnel to carry out these procedures effectively."The DLMP operates the Qatar National Blood Donation Services, which is the only organisation responsible for provision of blood supplies for the entire Qatar including all governmental and private health institutions. The department has achieved accreditation from the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapy and is also accredited by the College of American Pathologists.