<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>The ABO blood group system includes phenotypes, or subgroups, that differ in the amount of A and B antigens present on the red blood cells (RBCs). These subgroups also differ in the A, B, or H substances present in secretions (for individuals who have the secretor phenotype). B subgroups are very rare and are less frequently reported than A subgroups. Usually, B subgroups are discovered during serologic testing when there is a discrepancy between RBC and serum grouping results. Subgroups of B are usually identified by a reference laboratory using molecular and adsorption-elution methods. This report details a case of a young, healthy, pregnant woman with a B subgroup detected by a small transfusion service using adsorption-elution methods. Serology and genotyping of the <italic>ABO</italic> gene was performed at a reference laboratory where the serology was consistent with a B subgroup, but no changes were identified in <italic>ABO</italic> gene sequencing. It is important to correctly identify B subgroups in donors and recipients to help resolve ABO discrepancies and potentially prevent ABO incompatibility in blood transfusion, thus minimizing transfusion reactions.</p>
</abstract>

The ABO blood group system includes phenotypes, or subgroups, that differ in the amount of A and B antigens present on the red blood cells (RBCs). These subgroups also differ in the A, B, or H substances present in secretions (for individuals who have the secretor phenotype). B subgroups are very rare and are less frequently reported than A subgroups. Usually, B subgroups are discovered during serologic testing when there is a discrepancy between RBC and serum grouping results. Subgroups of B are usually identified by a reference laboratory using molecular and adsorption-elution methods. This report details a case of a young, healthy, pregnant woman with a B subgroup detected by a small transfusion service using adsorption-elution methods. Serology and genotyping of the ABO gene was performed at a reference laboratory where the serology was consistent with a B subgroup, but no changes were identified in ABO gene sequencing. It is important to correctly identify B subgroups in donors and recipients to help resolve ABO discrepancies and potentially prevent ABO incompatibility in blood transfusion, thus minimizing transfusion reactions.

B subgroup detection in a small hospital transfusion service

Immunohematology

{"article-title":"B subgroup detection in a small hospital transfusion service"}

The ABO blood group system includes phenotypes, or subgroups, that differ in the amount of A and B antigens present on the red blood cells (RBCs). These...

B subgroup detection in a small hospital transfusion service

Article Category: case-report

Published Online: Jun 25, 2021

Page range: 89 - 94

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/immunohematology-2021-014

© 2021 E. Elardo et al., published by Sciendo