The incidence of WES^a in 3,072 donors in the United States

The rare red cell antigen, WES^a, which is controlled by an autosomal dominant gene, was reported by Sistonen et al.¹ to have an incidence in the Finnish population of 0.56 percent. A study was undertaken to determine the incidence of the WES^a antigen within the United Stales. A total of 3,072 donor samples were obtained for testing from eight different geographical locations. It was determined that the incidence of the WES^a antigen in the white donor population tested was 2 per 1,610 or 0.12 percent and in the black donor population tested, 7 per 1,460 or 0.48 percent. In the random population the incidence would be 0.29 percent. Immunohematology 1991;7:76–77.