Review: the Kell, Duffy, and Kidd blood group systems

C M Westhoff1, M E Reid

  • 1Laboratory for molecular red cell antigen typing, American Red Cross, Penn-Jersey Region, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Immunohematology
|September 18, 2004
PubMed

After the discovery (over 50 years ago) that the IAT could be applied to the detection of antibodies to blood group antigens, there was a rapid increase in the identification of alloantibodies that caused transfusion reactions or HDN. After Rh, antibodies in the Kell, Duffy, and Kidd blood group systems were the next in clinically significant antibodies to be revealed. Much of what has been learned about these blood groups since the journal Immunohematology issued its first edition has to do with the proteins, the genes, and the molecular basis for the antigens. What has not changed is that, after ABO and Rh, antibodies to antigens in these three systems are still the most clinically significant. They will form the basis of this review.

Related Concept Videos

Blood Typing01:10

Blood Typing

Understanding an individual's blood group is a critical component of transfusion medicine. It ensures compatibility in blood transfusions, organ transplants, and even during pregnancy. Determining these blood groups involves the ABO and Rh blood typing systems, utilizing specific antigens and corresponding anti-sera to identify an individual's blood type.
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target antigens A,...
The ABO Blood Group01:12

The ABO Blood Group

The ABO blood group system is a critical element of transfusion medicine, essential for determining blood compatibility in transfusions and organ transplants. It is based on specific antigens, or agglutinogens, present on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) and corresponding antibodies, or agglutinins, in the blood plasma.
Antigens in the ABO Blood Group System
Antigens are substances that can trigger an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies. In the ABO blood group system,...
Blood Transfusion01:15

Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusion is a critical medical procedure that saves lives and treats various medical conditions. It involves transferring blood from a donor to a recipient. This process requires a thorough understanding of the ABO blood group system and its associated antigens and antibodies.
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
Blood Types02:20

Blood Types

Human blood is classified into different types based on the presence of antigens on the red blood cell's surface and antibodies in the plasma. Proper identification of blood type is essential for successful blood transfusion. The International Society of Blood Transfusion has identified 38 human blood types based on the surface antigens on the red blood cells. The most common types are ABO, Rh, and MNS blood types.
ABO blood group
ABO antigens are glycoproteins encoded by genes present on...
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination02:45

Blood Transfusion and Agglutination

Blood transfusion is a therapeutic measure to restore the blood volume after extensive blood loss due to an accident or a medical procedure. Blood transfusion involves drawing a certain amount of blood from a suitable donor and infusing it into the recipient.
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
Rh Blood Group01:19

Rh Blood Group

The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.