A comparison of two automated methods for the detection and identification of red blood cell alloantibodies.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the routine use of two automated systems (OrthoAutoVue Innova, microcolumn, and Immucor Galileo, solid phase) for the screening and identification of irregular red blood cell alloantibodies in samples, analysed in our Transfusion Service during 6 months of normal activity. The study focused particularly on an evaluation of the repeatability of the screening tests, the identification of antibody specificities and the identification of antibodies in samples showing discordant results.

Materials And Methods: Overall 2,229 samples from potential blood donors (A), multiply transfused patients with blood disorders (DH), potential transfusion recipients (TS), and external cases (E) were studied.