Use of PCR as a Tool for RBCs Molecular Genotyping in Repeatedly Transfused Patients

Abstract

The detection of blood group antigens is essential in transfusion practice in order to prevent alloimmunization especially in repeatedly transfused patients. Alloimmunization to RBC antigens resulting from the genetic disparities between donor and recipient is one of the risks of blood transfusion. Alloantibodies can interfere in the cross match testing and therefore can cause delay in obtaining compatible blood and also sometimes associated with DHTR. Antigen matched transfusion would effectively prevent alloimmunization. To do so, the patient's ABO, Rh, Kell, Kidd and Duffy systems should be typed at diagnosis or before the initiation of transfusion therapy. There is a wide range of blood typing techniques which differ from each other in terms of sensitivity, reagents, equipment required, the time of operation and throughput analysis. Serological testing remains the gold standard method for blood group typing as it provides rapid and reliable results in an inexpensive fashion. However, there are cases where blood typing based on serology fails and leads to blood type mismatches and the resulting alloimmunization can be life-threatening. Various techniques in determining the genetic basis of blood group polymorphisms are used as a complementary tool