Testing for Partial RhD with a D-Screen Diagast Kit in Moroccan Blood Donors with Weak D Expression

Abstract

The aim of this study was to search for the partial D phenotype in Moroccan blood donors with weak D expression. The study included 32 samples with weak D phenotype, and partial D category red blood cells were detected with the D-Screen Diagast kit, which consists in 9 monoclonal anti-D antibodies specific for the most common categories of partial D. Among the 32 samples studied, we identified 13 specific reactions to a partial D antigen (3 DVI, 2 DVa, 2 DIII(a,b,c), and 6 DVII), with 8 reactions suggesting a weak D and 11 reactions providing no formal argument in favor of a partial D antigen. This work can be used to validate the performance of the anti-D reagent and to improve the safety of transfusion of red blood cells from donors expressing the partial D antigen by integrating the finding into the recipient file with a recommendation concerning the appropriate care.

Transfusion strategy for weak D Type 4.0 based on RHD alleles and RH haplotypes in Tunisia

“…The study exemplified that D variants cannot reliably be discriminated with serologic methods (Table S1) [46][47][48] using samples from the Arab population, which has been characterized by serology and molecular techniques before (see supporting information). [49][50][51][52][53] No novel RHD allele was found in our study among 67 donors with the serologic weak D phenotype. We conclude that the molecular description of RHD alleles may have become rather complete, even for complex and variable alleles, such as represented by the RHD alleles constituting the weak D Type 4 cluster.…”

“…No precautions to detect DVII have ever been mandated, although D– transfusions would be recommended in any patient, especially women of childbearing age, known to express DVII, as carriers of this partial D can make anti‐D. The study exemplified that D variants cannot reliably be discriminated with serologic methods (Table S1) using samples from the Arab population, which has been characterized by serology and molecular techniques before (see supporting information) …”