Serological and molecular characterisation of the most prevalent weak D variants in Croatian population.

Introduction: Existence of hundreds of RHD gene variants contributes to variable D antigen expression and inconsistencies in reporting the RHD results. The aim of the study was to determine the serological and molecular characteristics of the most prevalent RHD alleles encoding serologically weak D variants.

Material And Methods: Blood donors (n = 145 924) were typed for D antigen using the direct serologic micromethod.

RhD alloimmunization by DEL variant missed in donor testing.

Introduction: Exposure to normal or variably expressed RhD antigens in an antigen-negative individual can elicit an immune response and lead to the formation of clinically significant anti-D alloantibodies. We present the case of anti-D alloimmunization by DEL variant missed in routine blood donor screening.

Material And Methods: Blood donors were typed for D antigen using the direct serologic micromethod.

Prenatal RHD genotyping in Croatia: preliminary results.

Objectives: Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine (CITM) implemented non-invasive fetal RHD genotyping as a request for targeted antenatal anti-D prophylaxis. The diagnostic performance of in-house RT-PCR method for fetal RHD genotyping and preliminary results are analyzed.

Materials And Methods: Evaluation included results of RHD genotyping for 205 RhD negative pregnant women, 12-36th week of gestation, whose samples were received in period between 2015 and 2020.

D variants in the population of D-negative blood donors in the north-eastern region of Croatia.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine RHESUS D GENE (RHD) allelic variants among Croatian D-negative blood donors and compare our results with respective data from other European countries.

Background: Altered or reduced D antigen expression can result in D variants, which can be mistyped and can lead to the alloimmunisation of the blood recipient. RHD genotyping can distinguish D variants: weak D, partial D and DEL, thus preventing alloimmunisation.

Anti-HBc prevalence among Croatian blood donors in a 14-year period (2004-2017): Assessment of trends, risks and need for implementing routine testing.

Objectives: The anti-HBc prevalence over a 14-years period (2004-2017), trends, infectivity, residual risk, and need for testing in blood donors (BD) of the Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine were assessed.

Material And Methods: Anti-HBc was tested in 19,969 BD serum samples collected in 2004 (N=7561), 2013 (N=7318) and 2017 (N=5090). All serums were initially screened for HBsAg, anti-HCV, HIV Ag/Ab, and anti-TP.