Eldon Biologicals is deeply committed to the eradication of Rhesus disease.
It is estimated that 50,000 fetuses and 114,000 newborns worldwide die annually from Rhesus (Rh) disease, a condition that in more developed countries is routinely diagnosed, treated, and prevented.
Rhesus disease is a condition where antibodies in a pregnant woman’s blood destroy her baby’s blood cells. It’s also known as haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). While Rhesus disease doesn’t harm the mother, it can cause the baby to become anemic and develop newborn jaundice. In some cases, jaundice may develop into kernicterus, which can cause permanent brain damage. Rhesus disease may also cause hydrops fetalis which can lead to heart failure or severe buildup of fluid in organs and tissues. Rhesus disease has a mortality rate of up to 24% in newborns. Women who are Rh negative and are pregnant with a baby whose father is Rh positive are at risk for this condition.
Rhesus disease can easily be prevented by the routine screening of pregnant women. If a mother is known to be at risk for Rh disease, a health care provider can use a prescription medication called anti-D (Rh) immunoglobulin. This injection is typically given twice during the pregnancy to prevent the mother’s immune system from attacking the child’s blood cells. One injection is typically at the 28-week mark of pregnancy and the other is shortly after the child’s birth. It may be given earlier in pregnancy or more than twice if there are any extra risk factors. This medication is very well tolerated.
The EldonCard is the most trusted and accurate tool for point-of-care (near-patient-testing) of blood typing of the ABO-, and Rhesus systems. Unlike other devises the results are immediate (within two minutes) and once the test is complete, the results can be preserved in medical records or with the individual in a convenient credit card format. The durability of the EldonCard makes it the method of choice in development and humanitarian contexts.
The durability of the EldonCard makes it the method of choice in development and humanitarian contexts, such as areas with complex supply chains, disaster areas or areas affected by armed conflict, allowing for swift blood typing and thus for saving lives.
By making this simple, cheap, POC test available millions of women and men can be screened for Rhesus status and receive appropriate immunoprophylaxis, which will indeed have a profound “measurable impact” by saving maybe more than 150,000 lives annually.
Eldon has developed a special Rhesus card to use in birth centres, birth clinics and abortion clinics.
Partners for healthy pregnancies:
