Novel HLA-DQB1, DQA1, DPA1 and DPB1 alleles identified in the Australian New South Wales tissue typing laboratory.

Introduction of NGS into clinical histocompatibility laboratories has greatly increased the frequency of novel HLA allele discovery. We identified 9 DQA1, 7 DQB1, 8 DPA1 and 2 DPB1 novel alleles over the last 2 years. 92% (24 of 26) differed from their closest allele by single nucleotide substitutions detected in coding regions and 84% (22 of 26) contained polymorphism outside of exon 2.

A phenotype associated with novel ABO*A allele variant c.106delinsGG.

Background And Objectives: Discrepancy between forward and reverse ABO grouping could be due to several reasons including genetic mutations of the alleles encoding group specific transferase. The healthy donors found with weak A antigen were investigated to ascertain the allele responsible for variation.

Materials And Methods: Standard serological methods were employed using commercial antisera.

Improved efficiency using sequential automated immunoassays for syphilis screening in blood donors.

Unlabelled: Using sequential immunoassays for the screening of blood donors is well described for viral serology testing but not for the screening of syphilis. In this study, we report the evaluation results and 2-year sequential testing data using two highly sensitive automated serology assays, the Alinity s Syphilis chemiluminescent immunoassay for screening, with all repeatedly reactive samples then tested on the Elecsys Syphilis electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. We screened 1,767,782 blood donor samples between 7 July 2021 and 6 July 2023 and found the Alinity false-positive rate to be low at 0.

Frequency of red blood cell phenotypes from genotyped Australian blood donors.

Background: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (Lifeblood) performs human erythrocyte antigen (HEA) genotyping for a subset of repeat whole-blood donors through preferential selection which aims to maximise variation of results and possibility of identifying donors lacking high frequency red cell antigens.

Materials And Methods: The HEA Molecular Bead chip™ assay is used by Lifeblood for donor genotyping. A review of all donor HEA genotype data from March 2019 to May 2022 (3 years) was conducted.

Equity in blood transfusion precision services.

Background: Blood collection agencies are integrating precision medicine techniques to improve and individualise blood donor and recipient outcomes. These organisations have a role to play in ensuring equitable application of precision medicine technologies for both donors and transfusion recipients. BODY: Precision medicine techniques, including molecular genetic testing and next generation sequencing, have been integrated in transfusion services to improve blood typing and matching with the aim to reduce a variety of known transfusion complications.

Platelets retain function and can be stored following disruption of human leucocyte antigens.

Background And Objectives: Antibodies to human leucocyte antigen (HLA) Class-I antigens can lead to refractoriness to platelet transfusion. Although this can be overcome by transfusion of HLA-compatible platelets, they are not always available. Disruption of HLA antigens on platelets by acid treatment may be a suitable alternative when no other components are available.

Revised nucleic acid test window periods: Applications and limitations in organ donation practice.

Background: Nucleic acid test window periods for HIV, HCV, and HBV facilitate estimation of the residual risk of unexpected disease transmission and assist clinicians in determining the timeframe in which a recently acquired infection is at risk of nondetection.

Objectives: Firstly, to provide revised estimates of the NAT window periods based on a currently used triplex NAT assay. Secondly, to examine their validity in organ donation and transplantation practice.

Macronutrient content of pasteurised donor human milk: Variability between batches from single-donor pools at an Australian milk bank.

Aim: This study aimed to characterise the between-batch variability of pasteurised donor human milk (PDHM) produced from single-donor pools at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood's milk bank and identify key donor characteristics that predict macronutrient content.

Methods: Macronutrient content from 200 batches of PDHM was measured using a mid-infrared human milk analyser (Miris, Uppsala, Sweden). Linear mixed models were used to study the impact of stage of lactation and gestational age on macronutrient content.