A method for drying red blood cells for solid-phase immunoassay

To develop a simpler and quicker alloantibody screening method, red cell stroma were bound and dried to microplate wells for use in magnetic-mixed passive haemagglutination (M-MPHA) tests. In the procedure of drying stroma, the Triton X-100-based haemolysing method gave lowest denaturation of red blood cells, and this method gave increased reactivity to Kidd and Rh antigens and clinically significant antibodies were detected as well as with the M-MPHA test. But long incubation with Triton X-100 and using high concentrations of Triton X-100 gave rise to some reduction in antigenicity, so the precise conditions for haemolysis are critical. This dried stroma-coated microplate can be stored for longer and more easily at room temperature than nondried intact red blood cells. The new system gave good sensitivity and the overall test time was shortened and should give a particular advantage for mass screening and for automation of this test.