Characterization of novel RHD alleles: relationship between phenotype, genotype, and trimeric architecture.

Background: RH1 is one of the most clinically important blood group antigens in the field of transfusion and prevention of fetomaternal incompatibilities. New variant RHD alleles are regularly identified and their characterization is essential to ensuring patient safety.

Study Design And Methods: Blood samples with uncertain RhD phenotypes not resolved by our first-line SNaPshot assay were sequenced for all 10 RHD exons.

Weak D and DEL alleles detected by routine SNaPshot genotyping: identification of four novel RHD alleles.

Background: Molecular RHD blood group typing is very efficient for managing donors and patients carrying any of the various molecular types of weak D and DEL. The purpose of the work was to develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) SNaPshot assay for simultaneous detection of weak D and DEL alleles that are prevalent in Europeans, Africans, and Asians.

Study Design And Methods: Preliminary profiling was carried out on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with 13 prevalent RHD alleles, that is, weak D Types 1, 2, 3, 4.

Positive association of DRB1 04 and DRB1 15 alleles with Fya immunization in a Southern European population.

Background: Anti-Fy(a) has been implicated in hemolytic transfusion reactions. However, not all Fy(a-) patients develop anti-Fy(a) after transfusion with 1 unit of blood [Fy(a+)]. This study was designed to identify HLA-DRB1 alleles associated with a predisposition to Fy(a) immunization after blood transfusion.

Erythrocyte-magnetized technology: an original and innovative method for blood group serology.

Background: Erythrocyte-magnetized technology (EMT) is a new fully automated method for ABO-RH-K phenotyping and antibody detection. The magnetization of red cells avoids centrifugation and washing phases. This report describes the results of an evaluation of this new technology on its specific automated system.

HLA-DRB1 polymorphism is associated with Kell immunisation.

K immunisation is observed in some polytransfused patients and pregnant women but does not occur in all cases of K incompatibility. This study analysed the role of genetic background in this selective response to K antigen by investigating HLA-DRB1 alleles associated with K immunisation in a southern European population. HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific oligonucleotide/sequence-specific primer procedures in 54 K immunised patients and 200 healthy controls.

HLA-DRB1 alleles and Jk(a) immunization.

Background: In transfusion medicine, anti-Jk(a) has been implicated in hemolytic transfusion reactions. Development of anti-Jk(a) after transfusion does not always occur after Jk(a-) patients receive at least 1 unit of Jk(a+) blood unit. This study was designed to identify HLA-DRB1 alleles associated with predisposition to Jk(a) immunization after blood transfusion or pregnancy.

Adsorption of autoantibodies in the presence of LISS to detect alloantibodies underlying warm autoantibodies.

Background: The safe transfusion of patients with warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia requires an efficient and time-saving assay to detect alloantibodies underlying autoantibodies. Methods used include RBCs treated with ZZAP reagent, proteolytic enzyme, or untreated RBCs in the presence of PEG. We propose a method using LISS, which presents some advantages over previous methods.