A case of masquerading alloantibodies: The value of a multitechnique approach

Paula Wennersten, Laurie J. Sutor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In an immunohematology reference laboratory, samples received for antibody identification react in many different ways requiring a variety of approaches. Sometimes, the clues from initial testing can lead to faulty assumptions and misdirection. Fortunately, a well-supplied reference laboratory will have access to a variety of techniques and reagents that, when used together, can reveal the true identity of the antibodies involved. We present a case of a patient sample with an apparent group AB, D+ blood type showing strong reactivity with all cells tested in the forward and reverse ABO, in the D testing as well as in a three-cell antibody screen. The initial assumption was that the plasma contained a cold autoantibody. Subsequent testing, including the use of gel column technology, ficin-treated cells, and antisera for phenotyping, showed the apparent cold autoantibody to be a red herring. Additional tube testing at immediate spin, 37°C, and indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) revealed the presence of four alloantibodies: anti-M and anti-E reacting at immediate spin, 37°C, and IAT plus anti-Fya and anti-Jkb reacting at IAT.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)117-120
Number of pages4
JournalImmunohematology
Volume30
Issue number3
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • ABO discrepancy
  • Alloantibodies
  • Cold autoantibodies
  • Ficin
  • Gel column technology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Hematology

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