Comparative Evaluation of In-House and Commercial Low Ionic Strength Solutions For Immunohematological Testing

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Low ionic strength solution (LISS) is widely used in immunohematological testing to enhance antibody detection and reduce incubation time. Although commercially available LISS reagents are routinely used in blood banks, their cost may present a challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality and performance of an in-house prepared LISS with a commercially available LISS for immunohematological testing.
METHODOLOGY: The in-house LISS was prepared according to standard procedures and evaluated for relevant quality-control parameters. Comparative testing was performed using samples subjected to antibody screening and compatibility testing with both in-house and commercial LISS. Reaction strength, antibody detection, crossmatching performance, and selected quality-control parameters were compared.
RESULTS: The in-house LISS demonstrated quality-control characteristics comparable to those of the commercial preparation, including appropriate physicochemical parameters. Comparable serological reaction strengths and performance in antibody screening and compatibility testing were observed between the two preparations. Clinically significant antibody specificities were detected, and the in-house LISS showed satisfactory performance during crossmatching.
CONCLUSION: A properly prepared and quality-controlled in-house LISS may provide a practical alternative to commercial LISS for routine immunohematological testing. Further evaluation using larger sample sizes and a broader range of clinically significant antibodies may help establish its wider applicability in transfusion services.