National Center for Blood Group Genomics

Multiply transfused patients are at increased risk of becoming alloimmunized and for hemolytic transfusion reactions. The risk is also elevated for multiparous women who are more likely to develop antibodies from contact with paternal antigens. We provide testing that generates detailed antigen profiles on patient and donor samples, rapidly detecting genotypes for accurate prediction of phenotypes:

•  Testing for a wide range of genetic variants affecting red blood cell antigen expression
• Automated array imaging
• Computerized data management
• Identifying the most relevant red blood cell or platelet antigens in a single assay

EXAMPLE

The National Center for Blood Group Genomics (NCBGG) provides DNA-based array testing for extended blood typing for donors and patients:

• Automation increases accuracy
• Provides more information
• Provides information for antigens not possible with serology
• Ability to find uncommon antigen combinations
  • in “real time” donor unit available in liquid inventory
• Identification of rare units
• Ability to detect weak antigens
• 15 years experience with DNA approach
  • highly reproducible and correlated with serology

Managing transfusion of female children and women of childbearing age involves managing risks not present in other patient groups. Of key significance is accurate RhD typing to determine risk for anti-D.

• Between 1% and 4% of individuals have altered D antigens
• “Partial D” phenotypes or “Weak D” phenotypes
• Patient is RhD positive but may be at risk for anti-D
• Serology cannot distinguish these. RhD genotyping can determine:
  • appropriate transfusion (Rh neg or Rh pos)
  • candidates for Rh immune globin

Contact our lab professionals for assistance in determining the best pre-natal, fetal, and neonatal testing and management options.

RhD Genotyping Resources

• “Financial implications of RHD genotyping of pregnant women with a serologic weak D phenotype” by Kacker et al. (2015)
• “It’s time to phase in RHD genotyping for patients with a serologic weak D phenotype” by Sandler et al. (2015)
• “How do I manage Rh typing in obstetric patients?” by Haspel et al. (2015)

Precise Match blood products, i.e., extended antigen-matched for the common clinically significant antigens, provide clinicians with an exceptional tool to ensure donor-patient compatibility. NCBGG Precise Match products enhance patient care for patients:

• With warm autoantibodies or receiving monoclonal therapy when compatibility cannot be determined by routine methods
• Facing chronic transfusion to limit alloimmunization complications
• Experiencing hemolytic reactions or decrease red cell survival following transfusion
• With hemoglobinopathies, other congenital anemias, bone marrow failure syndromes, and malignancy
• Multiple alloantibodies, antibodies to high-prevalence antigens or antibodies against antigens for which typing antisera are not available

Our DNA-based testing provides more results for less cost and provides more information for uncommon and rare phenotypes than traditional serologic testing.