Characteristics of anti-Co^b in vitro and in vivo: a case study

Serologic and biologic properties of an example of anti-Co^b were investigated. The antibody was of the IgG class, and it bound small amounts of complement. It reacted optimally in the albumin-antiglobulin test with little or no enhancement of its reactivity in tests using enzymes. Additional experiments indicated that the Co^b antigen is resistant to treatment with chemicals known to destroy other antigens. The antibody caused shortened survival of radiolabeled Co(b+) donor red cells in our patient. At 24 hours, nearly 50 percent of the red cells were no longer detectable in the circulation. It is concluded that anti-Co^b is a clinically relevant antibody, a fact that must be taken into account when transfusing patients with anti-Co^bImmunohematology 1996; 12:11-13.