New human monoclonal antibody reagents for detecting C, c, E, e, K1, Jk^a, and Jk^b red cell antigens

Using routine methods, human monoclonal Rh, Kell, and Kidd antibody reagents compared favorably with licensed humansource polyclonal antibody reagents when typing random donor blood specimens. In three different clinical trials, using standard methods and both types of reagents, we tested 2,866 samples by tube, 381 samples by slide, and, using only monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), 1,043 samples by microplate. No discrepant typings were found. More than 95 percent of all reactions using MAbs were the same as or stronger than those with polyclonal antibodies (PAbs). Use of MAbs instead of PAbs for routine typing will result in distinctly stronger reactions, shorter testing times, and decreased anti-human globulin reagent and equipment needs. Product quality will be more standardized, since uniform batches of antibody from immortalized hybrid cell lines can be made available in virtually unlimited supply. Cost-effective production should decrease or eliminate dependence on hyperimmunized human and animal donors from whom variably reactive reagents are currently obtained. This ease of use and more rapid results should improve patient care by facilitating availability of phenotype-appropriate red blood cells for special needs. Immunohematology 1994;10:8.