Simultaneous genotyping of human platelet antigens (HPA) 1 through 6 using new sequence-specific primers for HPA-5.

Background: Polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers is widely used for genotyping human platelet antigens (HPA). However, the results of HPA-5 genotyping are still problematic.

Study Design And Methods: New sequence-specific primers were designed for HPA-5 that, together with already published primers, allow simultaneous genotyping of HPA-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and -6. The reliability of the described protocol was determined by using reference DNA samples as well as samples from healthy blood donors.

Results: All primers produced specific amplification products. The genotype and the previously ascertained phenotype of the tested specimens were in concordance in all cases.

Conclusion: The described polymerase chain reaction protocol allows rapid, reliable, simultaneous genotyping of HPA-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and -6.