Method-specific and unexplained reactivity in automated solid-phase testing and their association with specific antibodies.

The inherent tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity in the detection of unexplained antibodies has been the objective of many studies, editorials, and journal articles. Many publications note that no method is capable of detecting all clinically significant antibodies while avoiding all clinically insignificant antibodies. This study describes the frequency of nonspecific reactivity and unexplained reactivity in solid-phase testing, along with the subsequent development of specific antibodies (Abs).

Evaluation of different testing methods for identification of RhIG in red blood cell antibody detection.

Background: RhIG has had great success in protecting fetuses from potential harm; however, little work has been done to demonstrate how long RhIG reactivity is detected in the mother after administration when using common red blood cell antibody detection methods.

Study Design And Methods: A retrospective investigation was performed examining positive antibody identification panels due to RhIG. These panels were run on solid-phase (SP) testing.

Safety of a liberal policy for extended-date preadmission testing samples.

Background: Regulations governing pretransfusion testing allow specimen expiration to be extended past 3 days before the transfusion if a patient has not been transfused or pregnant in the preceding 3 months. Our hospital allows extension of the expiration of a presurgical specimen to 28 days if 1) the patient has neither been transfused nor pregnant in the past 3 months, 2) the patient does not have an antibody history, and 3) the current antibody screen (ABSC) is negative. Patients not meeting Criteria 2 and 3 are required to have specimens redrawn on the day of surgery (DOS).