<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as a potentiator of blood group antigen-antibody interactions. Although PEG is known to precipitate immunoglobulins, we could find no reports of this reagent entrapping red blood cells (RBCs) in irreversible clumps. The patient we describe here had hyperglobulineinia with a reversed albumin:giob- ulin ratio and a diffuse immunoglobulin peak on serum protein electrophoresis. During preparation of serologic tests, a precipitate formed that entrapped the RBCs when PEG was added. Rapid recognition of this phenomenon could prevent delay in the selection. of blood for transfusion by substituting PEG-indirect antiglobulin test (1AT) with another technique such as low-ionic-strength solution (LISS-IAT, and by increasing the number of washes prior to addition of the antigiobulin reagent.</p></abstract>

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as a potentiator of blood group antigen-antibody interactions. Although PEG is known to precipitate immunoglobulins, we could find no reports of this reagent entrapping red blood cells (RBCs) in irreversible clumps. The patient we describe here had hyperglobulineinia with a reversed albumin:giob- ulin ratio and a diffuse immunoglobulin peak on serum protein electrophoresis. During preparation of serologic tests, a precipitate formed that entrapped the RBCs when PEG was added. Rapid recognition of this phenomenon could prevent delay in the selection. of blood for transfusion by substituting PEG-indirect antiglobulin test (1AT) with another technique such as low-ionic-strength solution (LISS-IAT, and by increasing the number of washes prior to addition of the antigiobulin reagent.

Precipitation of serum proteins by polyethylene glycol (PEG) in pretransfusion testing

Immunohematology

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as a potentiator of blood group antigen-antibody interactions. Although PEG is known to precipitate immunoglobulins, we could...

Precipitation of serum proteins by polyethylene glycol (PEG) in pretransfusion testing

Published Online: Oct 26, 2020

Page range: 105 - 107

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/immunohematology-2019-627

Keywords
polyethylene glycol, hypergammaglobine- mia, false positive, antibody screen

© 1999 J. HOFFER, et al., published by Sciendo

Precipitation of serum proteins by polyethylene glycol (PEG) in pretransfusion testing

Published Online: Oct 26, 2020

Page range: 105 - 107

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/immunohematology-2019-627

Keywordspolyethylene glycol, hypergammaglobine- mia, false positive, antibody screen

© 1999 J. HOFFER, et al., published by Sciendo

Keywords
polyethylene glycol, hypergammaglobine- mia, false positive, antibody screen