Rapidtest^® Rh is red cell agglutination test that identifies the patient’s RhD type when a single drop of blood obtained from the patient is mixed with anti-D reagent. Results are available within 60 seconds. A positive RhD test is seen visually as agglutinated (clumped) red cells while for an RhD-negative test, red cells remain non-agglutinated (un-clumped). The Rapidtest^® Rh Kit includes all the components necessary to carry out the test at the bedside. By determining the RhD type of the patient, decisions can be made regarding antibody monitoring throughout pregnancy, clinical interventions should anti-D antibodies have developed and whether anti-D immunoglobulin administration will be required.

What is the Clinical Requirement for Rh D Screening?
The screening of pregnant women to ascertain their RhD (Rhesus) status is an integral part of good antenatal care. The identification of RhD-negative women and the use of anti-D immunoglobulin have led to the significant reduction of the incidence of RhD isoimmunisation and haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) due to RhD incompatibility. The most common cause of HDN is blood group incompatibility. This occurs most frequently when a RhD-negative woman is exposed to RhD-positive blood which has leaked into her circulation either spontaneously or by one of the following events:
Abortion: threatened, spontaneous or induced
Ectopic pregnancy
Procedure related: Chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, foetal blood sampling or intra uterine surgery;
Obstetric: trauma, ante partum haemorrhage, external cephalic version or delivery.
In subsequent pregnancies the antibodies that are formed as a result of the initial exposure, enter the foetal circulation via the placenta and become attached to blood group antigens on the infant’s red cells.

The Rapidtest^® Rh Kit was first introduced in KwaZulu-Natal in 1993. At that time the local Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) was screening blood samples of pregnant women for RhD type and the presence of red cell antibodies from more than 250 mainly rural-based clinics throughout the province. The transport of the samples; the collation of results and follow-up of patients was difficult and at times, impossible.
The Rapidtest^® Rh Kit was therefore introduced to offer a convenient and cost effective RhD typing test that could be used in the primary health care setting.
The Kit’s design ensures results are available immediately and only samples from RhD-negative patients or those with a poor obstetric history need to be sent to a laboratory for further red cell antibody testing. The kit may also used for the RhD typing of mothers-to-be whose RhD type at the time of admission to the labour ward is not known.

Background

Formerly part of the Natal Institute of Immunology (NII), a division of the Natal Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) for more than 30 years, the Biotechnology unit was originally established as a research unit of NBTS. In April 2000 the newly defined NBI Biotechnology Department , combining the Immunochemistry and ELISA Production Units, was incorporated into the NBI.

Services

NBI Biotechnology's Monoclonal Antibody laboratory produces high affinity mouse monoclonal antibodies suitable for use in either ELISA or Immuno-chromatographic tests, for the detection of infectious diseases. We can also offer custom production of monoclonal antibodies.

The NBI Biotechnology Molecular Biology laboratory produces recombinant proteins that may be used as immunogens, for the production of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies, or as antigens, in diagnostic tests. Recombinant proteins are expressed in either bacteria (E. coli) or in yeast (Saccharomyces).

The NBI Biotechnology has access to a modern mouse colony facility used for the production of ascites for the NBI Biotech's range of Mabs. Access to this facility via the NBI Biotechnology division is also a service we offer our customers.

How To Contact Us

Telephone : 031 714 6700 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.