Prevalence of Du Antigen among RhD-Negative Blood Donors at University College Hospital, Ibadan.

In transfusion medicine, the Du antigen a variation of the RhD antigen is crucial because of its implications for transfusion reactions and haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN). The Du antigen is clinically significant, but its prevalence in many areas, including Nigeria, is still poorly understood, which presents problems for Rh typing accuracy and transfusion safety. This study aims to determine the proportion of RhD-negative blood donors and the prevalence of the Du antigen among these donors at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. This cross-sectional study was carried out at UCH, Ibadan and included 50 RhD-negative blood donors. Standard serological procedures were used to obtain blood samples and test them for the Du antigen. Demographic data, including age, gender, and ethnicity, were evaluated alongside serological results. A statistically significant correlation was established between donor age and the prevalence of the Du antigen, whereas no significant correlations were detected with gender or ethnicity. All individuals were confirmed to be RhD-negative, with 6% testing positive for the Du antigen. The results emphasize the necessity for tailored age-specific donor techniques to improve transfusion procedures and guarantee optimal clinical outcomes. Routine Du antigen testing among RhD-negative blood donors is crucial for correct Rh typing and transfusion safety.