Academy

Antibody detection and identification compatibility testing: A workshop organized by the Haematology and Blood Transfusion Scientists Society of Nigeria

Zaccheaus Awortu Jeremiah

Haematology and Blood Transfusion Scientists Society of Nigeria(HBTSSN), Nigeria

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The Haematology and Blood Transfusion Scientists Society of Nigeria (HBTSSN) is a national professional body dedicated to advancing the practice of haematology and blood transfusion science. Guided by its vision of promoting excellence in laboratory services across Nigeria, the society fosters innovation, quality, and collaboration in the field. Among its core objectives is the pursuit of international partnerships and networking to drive research and development.

The HBTSSN 2026 Conference marks the society’s 4th Biennial gathering, featuring a two-day pre-conference workshop on Antibody Detection and Identification in Compatibility Testing. This workshop was proudly supported through sponsorship from the ISBT Academy Support Programme, whose contribution enabled seamless organization and delivery. We extend our sincere gratitude to ISBT for their invaluable support, which enriched the scientific exchange and strengthened capacity-building efforts within our community.

The workshop was held on the 4th and 5th May, 2026 during the 4th Biennial International conference at the Aurora Event Center and Osun State University Teaching Laboratories. The Objectives of a Workshop on Antibody Detection and Identification in Compatibility testing in Nigeria were as follows:

  1. Enhance Technical Skills: Equip laboratory personnel with practical skills in manual and cost-effective techniques for antibody detection and identification to ensure accurate compatibility testing in resource-limited settings.
  2. Improve Knowledge Base: Provide participants with up-to-date knowledge on best practices, principles, and protocols for antibody screening and identification in transfusion medicine.
  3. Promote Standardization: Train participants to implement standardized procedures for compatibility testing to reduce errors and improve consistency in blood transfusion practices across Nigeria.
  4. Increase Transfusion Safety: Enable healthcare workers to accurately identify and manage clinically significant antibodies to minimize the risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions and enhance patient safety
  5. Build Local Capacity: Develop a skilled workforce capable of performing reliable antibody detection using available resources, reducing dependency on advanced equipment or external expertise.
  6. Foster Problem-Solving Skills: Train participants to interpret complex serological results and troubleshoot challenges encountered during antibody identification in low-resource environments.
  7. Encourage Collaboration: Create a platform for knowledge sharing and networking among local and international experts to adapt global best practices to the Nigerian context.
  8. Address Regional Disparities: Empower laboratory personnel in underserved and rural areas with the skills needed to provide safe blood transfusions, promoting equitable access to quality care.
  9. Support National Health Goals: Align training outcomes with Nigeria’s National Blood Transfusion Service objectives and global health priorities, such as WHO guidelines for safe blood transfusion services.
  10. Promote Sustainability: Foster cost-effective and sustainable practices in transfusion medicine that can be maintained within Nigeria’s resource constraints, ensuring long-term impact.building a resilient healthcare workforce.

Workshop participants during the lecture session before the commencement of the practicals

A group of workshop participants during the hands-on session

Another group of workshop participants during the hands-on session

The following resource persons delivered lectures on day 1 of the workshop as follows:

  1. Z.A.Jeremiah - Overview of compatibility testing
  2. Nancy.C.Ibeh - Principles of antibody detection.
  3. M.A.Muhibi – Methods and techniques od antibody detection
  4. Ayodeji Olayanju – Antibody identification processes and Facilitator of hands-on practicals
  5. Stowe Opuada- Instructor, Hands-on practical
  6. Zakariyahu.O.Tawakalitu – Instructor, Hands on practicals

The hands‑on workshop was held on May 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A total number of eighty‑two (82) participated, including twenty‑five (25) final‑year undergraduate haematology students. To ensure effective practical exposure, twenty (20) workstations were set up, each accommodating four (4) participants.

Every workstation was fully equipped with essential tools and reagents, including antisera and reagent cells for detection and identification.

To assess learning outcomes, a pre‑test was administered in real time to evaluate participants’ baseline knowledge, followed by a post‑test quiz at the conclusion of the practical sessions. Of the total participants, fifty‑seven (57) were practicing haematologists and members of the Haematology and Blood Transfusion Scientists Society of Nigeria (HBTSSN), while the remaining twenty‑five (25) were final‑year Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) students from universities across Nigeria. The students attended free of charge, having been awarded scholarships by HBTSSN, reflecting the society’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals.

The workshop provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange. Students shared insights gained from the training, while practicing scientists discussed their experiences and challenges from various practice settings. Senior colleagues and experts engaged actively, answering questions and offering detailed explanations, thereby enriching the learning experience for all participants.

The workshop proved to be highly insightful, educative, and impactful, successfully achieving its intended objectives as reflected in participants’ feedback. The HBTSSN extends sincere appreciation to the ISBT management for their generous sponsorship in 2026, which ensured a seamless program and strengthened the capacity of its members. With this milestone accomplished, the society eagerly anticipates another enriching and memorable experience in 2028.

HBTSSN member participants at the Workshop

Student participants with HBTSSN officials at the workshop

Edmonde Bonebe demonstrates the steps of adequate maintenance cleaning of mobile handwash stations

The workshop facilitator Ayodeji Olayanju explaining some vital points during the hands-on session

Participants at the end of the HBTSSN 2026 workshop

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