<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Hemagglutination, the gold standard method to detect the presence or absence of blood group antigens on RBCs, has served the transfusion community well for decades. It is simple, and, when done correctly, it has a specificity and sensitivity that is appropriate for most testing in the vast majority of patients requiring blood transfusion. The limitations of hemagglutination for screening donor blood include that both testing and data entry are labor-intensive, that the required antibody is not always commercially available, and that it may be limited in volume, weakly reactive, or costly. These scenarios can make it difficult to screen for large numbers of antigen-negative blood donors. The knowledge of the molecular bases of blood group antigens makes it possible to screen donors to predict their antigen status. High-throughput platforms provide a means to test relatively large numbers of donors, thereby opening the door to change the way antigen-negative blood is provided to patients. This review discusses testing for blood group antigens by hemagglutination and bead chip technology. It also reviews regulatory issues, including validation and training, and suggests an algorithm for screening and confirming blood types of donors. <italic><bold>Immunohematology</bold></italic><bold> 2008;24:175–179.</bold></p></abstract>

Hemagglutination, the gold standard method to detect the presence or absence of blood group antigens on RBCs, has served the transfusion community well for decades. It is simple, and, when done correctly, it has a specificity and sensitivity that is appropriate for most testing in the vast majority of patients requiring blood transfusion. The limitations of hemagglutination for screening donor blood include that both testing and data entry are labor-intensive, that the required antibody is not always commercially available, and that it may be limited in volume, weakly reactive, or costly. These scenarios can make it difficult to screen for large numbers of antigen-negative blood donors. The knowledge of the molecular bases of blood group antigens makes it possible to screen donors to predict their antigen status. High-throughput platforms provide a means to test relatively large numbers of donors, thereby opening the door to change the way antigen-negative blood is provided to patients. This review discusses testing for blood group antigens by hemagglutination and bead chip technology. It also reviews regulatory issues, including validation and training, and suggests an algorithm for screening and confirming blood types of donors. Immunohematology 2008;24:175–179.

Value of DNA-based assays for donor screening and regulatory issues

Immunohematology

{"article-title":"Value of DNA-based assays for donor screening and regulatory issues"}

Hemagglutination, the gold standard method to detect the presence or absence of blood group antigens on RBCs, has served the transfusion community well for...

Value of DNA-based assays for donor screening and regulatory issues

Article Category: Report

Published Online: Mar 25, 2020

Page range: 175 - 179

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/immunohematology-2019-295

Keywords
DNA testing, donor testing, blood group antigens, hemagglutination

© 2008 D. Strauss, et al., published by Sciendo

Value of DNA-based assays for donor screening and regulatory issues

Article Category: Report

Published Online: Mar 25, 2020

Page range: 175 - 179

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/immunohematology-2019-295

KeywordsDNA testing, donor testing, blood group antigens, hemagglutination

© 2008 D. Strauss, et al., published by Sciendo

Keywords
DNA testing, donor testing, blood group antigens, hemagglutination