Miltenberger blood group typing by real‐time polymerase chain reaction ( qPCR ) melting curve analysis in Thai population

SUMMARY Objectives To develop reliable and convenient methods for Miltenberger (Mi a ) blood group typing. Aim To apply real‐time polymerase chain reaction ( qPCR ) melting curve analysis to Mi a blood group typing. Background The Mi a blood group is the collective set of glycophorin hybrids in the MNS blood group system. Mi(a+) blood is common among East Asians and is also found in the Thai population. Incompatible Mi a blood transfusions pose the risk of life‐threatening haemolysis; therefore, Mi a blood group typing is necessary in ethnicities where the Mi a blood group is prevalent. Methods/Materials One hundred and forty‐three blood samples from Thai blood donors were used in the study. The samples included 50 Mi(a+) samples and 93 Mi(a−) samples, which were defined by serology. The samples were typed by Mi a typing qPCR , and 50 Mi(a+) samples were sequenced to identify the Mi a subtypes. Mi a subtyping qPCR was performed to define GP .Mur. Both Mi a typing and Mi a subtyping were tested on a conventional PCR platform. Results The results of Mi a typing qPCR were all concordant with serology. Sequencing of the 50 Mi(a+) samples revealed 47 GP .Mur samples and 3 GP .Hop or Bun samples. Mi a subtyping qPCR was the supplementary test used to further define GP .Mur from other Mi a subtypes. Both Mi a typing and Mi a subtyping performed well using a conventional PCR platform. Conclusion Mi a typing qPCR correctly identified Mi a blood groups in a Thai population with the feasibility of Mi a subtype discrimination, and Mi a subtyping qPCR was able to further define GP .Mur from other Mi a subtypes.