Department of Transfusion Medicine

Our Mission
- We will provide high quality patient care, pursue research that contributes to our knowledge and practice of transfusion medicine and related technologies, and provide advanced training in transfusion medicine. Together, these programs promote health care for all.
Our Vision
- To strive consistently for safe and effective transfusion practices by constant update and implementation of latest developments in the field of transfusion medicine.
Our Aims
- To create a conducive work environment for superior performance from all staff members.
- To encourage continuous learning, innovative thinking, high quality research and uninhibited exchange of ideas.
- To focus on patients well being and satisfaction.
- To conduct frequent blood donor motivational campaigns, thereby educating public about voluntary blood donation.
- To create awareness about latest trends in blood donation.
- To ensure safe and adequate blood supply through 100% Voluntary Blood donation.
- To insist on rational use of blood and blood components.

NAME	DESIGNATION
Dr. P. Arumugam, M.D., [Read More]	Professor and Head of the department
Dr. Swathandran Hamsavardhini, M.D., [Read More]	Asst. Professor
Dr. G. Deepa Devi, M.D.,	Tutor
Mr. R. Kumar, M.Sc., M.Phil.,	Biochemist
Mrs. S. Alwarammal, M.S.W.,	Social Welfare Officer
Mr. V. Selvakumar, M.S.W., PGDCM,	Social Welfare Officer
Mrs. S. Jagdeeswari, B.Sc.(Nursing),	Staff Nurse
Mrs. V. Sumathi, B.Sc.(Nursing),	Staff Nurse
Mr. K. Jeyapal, M.Sc., DMLT., PGDCA.,	Technician Gr.I
Mr. R. Vasantharaj, M.Sc., DMLT,	Technician Gr.II
Mr. D. Arulnambi, B.Sc., DMLT.,	Technician Gr.III
Ms. E. Sathiya, DMLT.,	Technician (CAPACS)

Academic Research & Activities
Academic Activities
- The Department is conducting MD Post Graduate course in Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion since 2005, with annual intake of two candidates. This course has been recognized by the Medical Council of India.
- Introduction of Postgraduate training programme in Blood Transfusion and Immunohaematology as a distinct specialty would provide adequate trained manpower in the Blood Transfusion services on par with developed countries. This would encourage research in the field of Modern Blood Banking and provide services in an updated manner.
Continuing Medical Education
- December 2003 - Blood Components Usage by Dr. V.P. Choudhry, Prof. of Haematology, AIIMS, New Delhi.
- December 2003 - Training Programmes on Rational Use of Blood Components at G.B.PantHospital, andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- January 2004 - Recent advances in Transfusion Practise by Dr. Jouan Van der Does, Transfusion Specialist, The Netherlands.
- February 2004 - (with Immunology) - Recent advances in Innate Immunity by Dr. Badirunathan, Immunologist Faculty, University of Manchester, UK.
- Seminars on "Neonatal Exchange Transfusion", "Cord Blood Banking" and "Stem Cells were presented by the MD students.
- November 2005 - "Blood Transfusion Services in Europe" by Dr. Jaques Chiarone, France
- "Resolving Serological Problems in Blood Banking" on 30.1.2008 by Professor and Head of the Department Dr. Rajendra Chowdhary, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow.
- An oration lecture was given by Dr. Vasantha from ICMR, Bombay on 17.9.08 regarding Blood group discrepancies.
- 19th nov 2008 -“Current Trends in Platelet Therapy” by Dr Vinod Kumar Panicker, Prof & Head, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Centre, Porur.
- 21st December 2009 - “Transfusion Support in Oncology Patients” by Dr.Ramanan, consultant oncologist, cancer institute, Adyar.
- "Transfusion Strategies in Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Transplantation" by Dr.V.Lakshman, ApolloSpeciality Hospital,Chennai on 30.10.2010.
- Current Trends in ImmunoHematology & Blood Transfusion on 17.02.2012 with the following topics
- Transfusion Support in Fetal and Paediatric Medicine on 18.03.2013 with the following topics
- Transfusion support in tertiary health care” on 14.03.2014 with the following topics
- ISTM –Post Graduate Students participated in Workshop on Immunohaematology on 12th September 2013 at Bangalore.
- IISTM –Post Graduate Students participated in Quiz Programme 13th September 2013 at Bangalore.
- Second National Conference of ISTM was attended by the Teaching Faculty and Post-graduate students at Bangalore from 13th September to 15th September 2013.
- Wet Workshop on Immunohaematology /Red cell Serology by Jim Perkins and Martha Combs, U.S.A was attended by Post-graduate student from 11th November to 15th November 2013 Seminar on Problem Solving Immunohaematology on 16th November 2013 at Bangalore.
- Workshop Series on “Stem Cell Culture and their Characterization” conducted by ICMR-Centre for Advanced Research ,Stem cell Research Center ,Surgical Gastroenterology Department, Govt. Stanley Hospital Chennai was attended by the Post-graduate students on 21st September,28th September,5th October,19th October,26th October,23rd November and 29th November 2013.
- Workshop on Research Methodology and Biostatistics by Department of Epidemiology, The Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University was attended by the Post-graduate students from 24th June to 28th 2013 and 18th November to 22nd November 2013.
- CME on Transfusion Medicine conducted by Saveetha Medical College, Chennai was attended by the Post-graduate students on 4th December 2013.
- Professor and H.O.D was a “Guest speaker” for the CME (orientation program) for clinicians on “Rational Use of Blood and Blood Components” at JIPMER Pondicherry under the aegis of Pondicherry Aids Control Society on 18th January 2014.
- Workshop on Essentials of Biostatistics with hands on training in SPSS by Department of Epidemiology, The Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University was attended by the Post-graduate students from 19th February to 21st February 2014.
- Professor and H.O.D was a “Guest speaker” for the CME on “Recent Trends in Blood Banking” conducted by Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College, Pondicherry which was also attended by the Post-graduate students on 1st March 2014.
- Professor and H.O.D had given an interview on topics related to the blood transfusion services in All India Radio (two sessions 15 minutes each) Mylapore, Chennai-4 which is to be broadcast in a short while.
Research
- Completed Projects
- Ongoing Projects
Publications
- Blood usage for cardiovascular surgery
- Donor motivation
- Organization setup of blood transfusion service
- Study on collection & usage of blood in Chennai city
- Manual of Blood bank techniques – 1st Edition
- Manual of Blood Banking Techniques – 2nd Edition
- Manual on Blood component preparation
- Rational use of blood and blood components – 1st Edition, 2010
- Blood component separation – 3rd Edition, 2010
- Training Manual on Blood Bank Techniques.
Med-e journal
- Hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti Jka - a case study
- The prevalence of secretor status and co-expression of Lewis antigen in voluntary blood donors
- Pregnancy Induced Hemolytic Anemia in an Antenatal Mother – A Rare Case Report.
- Incompatible minor crossmatch due to T-transformed red cells.
- Hemolytic Disease of Newborn due to anti-c antibody in an RhD positive mother- A case report
- Evaluation of the Quality of Fresh Frozen Plasma and refrozen thawed Fresh Frozen Plasma- a Prospective Study
Papers/Posters
- The following papers/posters were presented in the Annual Conference of ISBTI in the years 2009 to 2011. These articles were also published in the PubMed Indexed “Asian Journal of Transfusion Science” in the years 2009 and 2010.
- The following papers/posters were presented in the Annual Conference of ISTM in the year 2012. These articles were also published in the PubMed Indexed "Asian Journal of Transfusion Science".
- The following papers/posters have been presented in Annual Conference of ISTM. These articles shall be published in the PubMed Indexed “Asian Journal of Transfusion Science” volume 8 supplement 1 April 2014 edition.

Blood Transfusion Services

Fully equipped Licensed Blood Bank is engaged in Blood collection from voluntary non-remunerated donors. The collected blood will be screened for transfusion transmitted infections, separated into components, stored at optimum temperatures and after pre-transfusion testing appropriate components are issued to the needy.
The department conducts frequent public awareness campaigns and motivates people to donate blood. The department prepares and issues blood components to minimize the unwanted side-effects and maintain the adequate supply of blood. Our blood bank conducts regular voluntary blood donation camps to achieve 100% voluntary blood donation.

Voluntary blood donation

Voluntary blood donors are the cornerstone of a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products. The safest blood donors are voluntary, non- remunerated blood donors from low-risk populations.
For a safe blood service in our country, where comprehensive laboratory tests are neither possible nor pragmatic, it is best to switch over to 100% voluntary donations, as it is now established that only voluntary non-remunerated regular donation is the safest. Thus, one of our key strategies to enhance blood safety is blood from non-remunerated blood donors and phasing out even replacement donors.
Less than 1% of the eligible Indian population donates blood every year; this is far less than average rate of 5% in the Western world. When you donate blood, you become part of an exceptional group that is dedicated to alleviate the human suffering.
The fact is that human blood has no substitute and it cannot be manufactured.
Blood Donation Procedure
Blood donation is a simple procedure. It consists of 5 steps.
Registration: Your personal details such as name, age, demographic information will be recorded and you will be a given a questionnaire to assess your present and past health status. You should give correct and complete address for communication if there is any abnormality in laboratory test.
Medical Examination: A doctor will ask you certain questions about your medical history to ascertain that you are fit to donate blood and examine you. Your weight, blood pressure and pulse will be recorded. Only fit and healthy individuals are accepted as donors.
Hemoglobin test: Your blood hemoglobin level will be checked to ensure that you are not suffering from anemia and can safely donate a unit of blood.
Donation of blood: Your blood will be withdrawn with the help of a sterile and disposable kit after cleaning your arm with an antiseptic solution. All together, the process takes only 5 to 7 minutes.
Refreshment: After donation of blood, you will be advised to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you resume your routine activities. During this period, you will be served with some light refreshments

Laboratory services

Blood Processing Laboratory

The Blood Bank is licensed by the Drugs Controller of India.
Activities of this laboratory include,
Donor blood processing:Tests for determining the ABO group & Rh type, detecting unexpected antibodies to red cell antigens, confirmation of Rh negative status by Du testing, resolving ABO discrepancies, etc
Cross matching and Issue of blood and components.

Blood Component Laboratory

Blood is a precious human resource. To exercise maximum economy in its use, every unit of blood is separated into various components, such as packed red cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate .

Transfusion Transmitted Infection Screening Laboratory
Provision of safe blood is of utmost priority. Every unit of blood is screened for HbsAg, Anti-HIV 1&2, Anti-HCV, VDRL and Malaria.
Immunohematology Laboratory

Various investigations that are performed include, DAT, IAT, Elution tests, antibody screening, antibody identification & titer, RBC Phenotyping, Saliva screening test, Cryoglobulin test, Cold antibodies etc.

Quality Control Laboratory

To achieve objectives of supply of quality and safe blood, strict adherence to quality control at all phases of donor selection, screening & processing of blood & serological procedures for grouping and typing of blood are being followed routinely. All reagents, antisera, blood components and equipments are subjected to strict quality checks at periodic intervals according to the standards.

National AIDS Control Organization has identified our Blood Bank as the Regional Centre for conducting External Quality Control.
Our Laboratory is also participating in External Quality Assessment Programme (EQAS) conducted by ChristianMedicalCollege, Vellore.

Workshops/Training

The National Aids Control Organization, Tamil Nadu State Aids Control Society and Chennai Corporation of Aids Prevention and Control Society have recognized this institution as a regional training centre for blood bank medical officers, lab technicians, staff nurses, counselors, social workers and Drug inspectors.
So far about 180 such programs have been conducted on blood bank techniques, blood component separation, rational use of blood and blood components, Donor Motivation and Counseling. Preparation of standard operating procedures and statutory requirements for blood bank.

No of Trainings & Participants inThe Year 2013-14
	Number of Training	Partcipants
BB MO	03	16
LAB Technicians	05	40
Staff Nurses	05	33
Counselors	01	11
Others / (Motivators)	10	330
Total	24	430

Statistics

Year	Number of camps	Units collected	Components
2001	7	235	521
2002	20	826	1376
2003	27	1562	3140
2004	17	853	1585
2005	15	918	1753
2006	21	1230	2425
2007	33	1958	4492
2008	48	2717	5856
2009	45	2600	5684
2010	45	2600	5684
2011-2012	342	1521	3225
2013	51	2111	4284

Blood Donation - FAQ's & Forms
Who can donate blood?
- A blood donor must
- Be in good general health
- Be aged 18 years or older but less than 60 years
- Weigh at least 45 Kg
- Have a hemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dl
- Not have donated blood in the last 3 months
Who cannot donate blood?
- Do not donate blood if you have any of these conditions
- Cold/fever in the past 1 week.
- Under treatment with antibiotics or any other medication.
- Cardiac problems, hypertension, epilepsy, diabetes (on insulin therapy), history of cancer, chronic kidney or liver disease, bleeding tendencies, venereal disease etc.
- Major surgery in the last 6 months or minor surgery in the past 3 months
- Had jaundice or hepatitis or been positive for hepatitis B or C virus
- Had tooth extraction 3 days back or dental surgery 1 month back
- Had fainting attacks during last donation.
- Have regularly received treatment with blood products.
- Shared a needle to inject drugs/ have history of drug addiction.
- Had sexual relations with different partners or with a high risk individual or if male had sex with another male.
- Been tested positive for antibodies to HIV.
- Had any endocrinal problem
- Females should not donate blood during pregnancy.
- They can donate after 6 months following delivery and when they are not breast feeding.
- Have regularly received treatment with blood products.
- Females should not donate blood if they are having heavy menstrual flow or menstrual cramps
- Had a miscarriage in the last 6 months
- Health of the blood is ensured before and after collecting it. The donor is expected to be honest about his or her health history and current condition. The collected blood is tested for HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis and Malaria. A donor has to be healthy to give 'safe and quality blood'
Is there any danger in donating blood?
- There is virtually no danger. Only sterile and disposable needles are used to collect blood. There is absolutely no chance of catching any infectious disease by donating blood.
How often can I donate blood?
- It is safe to donate blood once in every three months.
Why do I have to wait 3 months before donating again?
- Since blood contains iron (which is essential for making new red blood cells), donating blood more often than every 3 months causes the body to lose iron faster than it can be made up from iron-containing foods in our diet. As a result the donor could develop iron deficiency anemia, causing him/her to feel weak and tired.
Why is it important to donate blood?
- One unit of blood can save 4 lives (Through components).
What if I faint?
- The likelihood of this happening is minimal. You should eat before donating and drink extra fluids, especially after your donation.
Will it hurt?
- Giving blood is not painful. You may feel a pinch in the beginning lasting only a couple of seconds.
Will I become weak if I donate frequently?
- No. It is perfectly healthy to donate blood once in every 3 months for an individual.
Will I get AIDS?
- Absolutely not! All equipments used to collect blood are sterile. These items are used once and discarded. Blood collections are performed by professionally trained blood bank personnel whose primary concern is your safety and the safety of the blood to be transfused.
What are the components of blood and how are they used?
- There are four components in blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Red blood cells supply oxygen to various parts of the body. White blood cells fight against disease or infections. Plasma carries nutrients, clotting factors and enzymes. Platelets help clot the blood to prevent excessive bleeding. Today, doctors transfuse individual blood components based upon the patient’s needs. Major categories of patient needs include: cancer therapy, organ transplants, accident victims and people undergoing elective surgical procedures.
How long can blood be stored?
- Product Shelf-life
- Red cells – 35 days
- Platelets - 5 days
- Fresh frozen plasma - 1 year
What if you want to organize a voluntary blood donation camp?
- To organize a blood donation camp, please contact the Head, Department of Transfusion Medicine, The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R.Medical University with an official letter requesting for organization of camp.
What is apheresis?
- Blood has several components, including red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Donor apheresis is a special type of blood donation in which a specific component, viz. platelets, granulocytes (white cells) plasma or plasma is withdrawn from the donor using a special equipment called as cell separator; the remaining components are returned to the donor's blood circulation. This procedure takes about 90 minutes during which time the donor is constantly monitored by trained medical personnel.
What is the advantage of Apheresis?
- Platelet concentrate prepared from one unit of whole blood contains very few platelets. Six to ten such whole-blood derived platelets would be required to supply enough platelets for one patient. However, platelets donated during one apheresis session by one donor are sufficient for one transfusion, thus reducing the chance of transfusion transmitted infections. Patients with cancer or leukemia or patients with blood disorders benefit immensely from such plateletpheresis.
- The donor benefits too since there are no loss of red cells. One can donate apheresis components more frequently than whole blood donation.
How Can I Become An Apheresis Donor?
- Any healthy person who meets the criteria for whole blood donation is eligible for apheresis donation.
Forms

Donor Forms & Questionnaire - English

Donor Forms & Questionnaire - Tamil

Certificate of appreciation
Achievements
- Started MCI recognized M.D (IH&BT) Course in the year 2005, first of its kind in south India.
- So far fourteen postgraduates have completed this course and obtained degree from this University.
- The Department has conducted 180 training programmes, 374 camps and collected 19284 blood units and prepared 38762 blood components so far.
- The department received ‘The Best Training Centre Special Award’ from His Excellency; The Governor of Tamilnadu on 30th September, 2008 at Raj Bhavan, during the celebration of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, 2008 organized by TANSACS.
- Award received for making a documentary film “Manitha Kadavul” to motivate voluntary blood donation, from the Honorable Minister for Health & Family Welfare during the celebration of National Voluntary Blood Donors Day, 2010 organized by TANSACS.
- Participated in Fujio Cup Quiz on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine conducted by NCRM on 11th October 2008 and received audience prize.
- Participated in Fujio Cup Quiz – 2007on stem cell research conducted by NCRM and won second prize.
- The MCI has permitted the Department to increase the number of seats from 2(two) to 3(three) from the academic year 2013-2014.
DTM Latest News

Events

World Blood Donor Day

World Blood Donor day is being observed on Karl Landsteiner’s Birthday, 14th June every year to recognize the services rendered by the Voluntary Blood Donors.
Future Project
- Cord Blood Banking
- NAT Screening
- Hemophilia & Thalassemia Clinic
Contact Us

Dr. P. ARUMUGAM, M.D.,
Professor and HOD,
Department of Transfusion Medicine,
The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University,
No.69, Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai – 32.
Phone: 044 – 22353546, 044 – 22353547
Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Department of Transfusion Medicine

Our Mission

Our Vision

Our Aims

Academic Research & Activities

Academic Activities

Continuing Medical Education

Research

Publications

Med-e journal

Papers/Posters

Blood Transfusion Services

Voluntary blood donation

Laboratory services

Workshops/Training

Statistics

Blood Donation - FAQ's & Forms

Who can donate blood?

Who cannot donate blood?

Is there any danger in donating blood?

How often can I donate blood?

Why do I have to wait 3 months before donating again?

Why is it important to donate blood?

What if I faint?

Will it hurt?

Will I become weak if I donate frequently?

Will I get AIDS?

What are the components of blood and how are they used?

How long can blood be stored?

What if you want to organize a voluntary blood donation camp?

What is apheresis?

What is the advantage of Apheresis?

How Can I Become An Apheresis Donor?

Forms

Certificate of appreciation

Achievements

DTM Latest News

Events

World Blood Donor Day

Future Project

Contact Us

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