Real-time PCR targeting RHD exons 5 and 7 simultaneously in maternal plasma is an accurate method for the diagnosis of fetal D genotype in our population. The RHD pseudogene real-time PCR assay is feasible and is particularly useful in populations with a high prevalence of this allele.
Background and Objectives
Antibodies of unknown specificity (AUS) are frequently identified in the pre‐transfusion testing. These antibodies can be insignificant or potentially cause post‐transfusion haemolysis. Information about the prevalence of clinically relevant AUS is still lacking. Our aim was to predict the potential clinical relevance of AUS using the monocyte monolayer assay (MMA) and to identify the clinical and laboratorial determinants of AUS’ significance.
Materials and Methods
Antibodies of unknown specificity identified at a single institution from 2015–2017 were evaluated through MMA. A monocyte index (MI) of more than 5% was predictive of potential post‐transfusion haemolysis.
Results
Thirty‐two patients with AUS were included in the study. Of the studied AUS, 37·5% (12/32) presented with a monocyte index (MI) more than 5%. In the group of significant AUS, 41·7% of the patients presented with sickle cell disease (SCD) and the AUS were associated with Rh antibodies in 75% of the cases. In the group of insignificant AUS, only 10% of the patients had SCD and the association with Rh antibodies was detected in 20% of the cases. The presence of Rh antibodies was independently associated with the AUS clinical relevance (P = 0·012).
Conclusion
More than one‐third of the AUS are potentially clinically relevant, and the association with Rh antibodies is predictive of AUS relevance. Services must honour AUS in the pre‐transfusion process in order to ensure transfusion safety.
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