Decision aides in immunohematology: detection of anti-erythrocyte antibodies

Detection and identification of irregular red-cell antibody in the serum or plasma of a patient is of prime importance for the prevention of hemolytic transfusion reactions and the biological supervision of the hemolytic disease of the foetus or the newborn. Practice in these tests is replete with complex biological problems. Using problem solving strategies, we discuss the recognition and resolution of the most frequent difficulties encountered in red cell antibody identification.