Premium
P37
Molecular and Serologic Characterization of RhD Status
Author(s) -
Catherwood M.,
Curran M. C.,
Wylie J.,
Daniels G.,
Martin P.,
Morris K.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
transfusion medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1365-3148
pISSN - 0958-7578
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3148.2006.00694_37.x
Subject(s) - concordance , serology , typing , multiplex , haemolytic disease , population , medicine , immunology , biology , antibody , pregnancy , fetus , genetics , environmental health
Developments in technology and knowledge have allowed the elucidation of many of the blood group systems at the molecular level, much of this work is still mainly confined to larger centres and reference facilities. The D antigen is highly complex and of enormous clinical significance causing both haemolytic disease of the newborn and haemolytic transfusion reactions. D typing is routinely performed using serological techniques but examples of weakened expression can be difficult to resolve. Molecular techniques have permitted a greater understanding of these problems and can also be applied to predicting the D type of the foetus using a maternal sample which has obvious benefits to mother and baby. Aims The development of a molecular method for RhD typing and compare this to serological typing. Study Design and Methods Multiplex PCR was used to analyze RhD status in DNA from 127 randomly selected blood donors from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service. This method was compared to the serological assessment of RhD typing using the Ortho AutoVue TM System. Results Serological results showed that 93 samples (73%) were RhD + and 34 (27%) were RhD − which is expected for a Caucasian population. 75 samples (50%) were RhC + and 52 (41%) were RhC − . 111 samples (87%) were Rhc + and 16 (13%) were Rhc − . Positive and negative molecular results were compared to the corresponding serological results. A concordance rate of 78.7% existed for the comparison of both methods for RhD status. 65.4% of samples were concordant for both methods when assessing RhC status. The concordance rate was 73.2% for Rhc. Conclusion We describe a multiplex PCR method for the assessment of RhD status and compare this to results obtained using standard serology. Further development of this molecular method is required to obtain a higher concordance rate. Molecular typing has potential future benefits, along with serological methods, in adding to our understanding of the Rh blood system and identifying RhD variants.