The gel assay performed as well as the tube assay in detection of A, B, and D, but the tube assay was slightly better at detecting B isohemagglutinins. The gel assay can be used in place of the tube assay for ABO blood grouping and D typing.

Detection of IgG bound to RBCs was not consistent with the methods described. Gel microcolumn DATs were more sensitive than tube agglutination and affinity microcolumn DATs. Given the varied results of these assays, reference laboratories should not rely on a single method for DATs. More comprehensive testing should be performed when the tube agglutination DAT is negative in a patient with suspected immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Further comparisons are necessary to determine the proficiency of flow cytometric assays.

The pooled-bead assay can be used as an alternative method for detecting HLA class I antibodies. However, if the specificity of the HLA class I antibody is required, another assay must be used.