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The sensitivity of antibody detection testing using pooled versus unpooled reagent red cells
I A Shulman1, R Nakayama, C Calderon
1LAC+USC Medical Center, 1200 North State Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Immunohematology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Pooled reagent red blood cells (RBCs) reduce antibody detection sensitivity, potentially leading to missed clinically significant antibodies. This may increase the risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions if indirect antiglobulin testing is not performed.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) restricts pooled reagent red blood cells (RBCs) in pretransfusion antibody detection due to concerns about reduced sensitivity.
- Existing data supporting this restriction is limited, despite its clinical implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity of antibody detection testing using pooled reagent RBCs compared to unpooled reagent RBCs.
- To determine if pooled reagent RBCs decrease the detection of clinically significant RBC alloantibodies.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of antibody detection test results using pooled versus unpooled reagent RBCs.
- Assessment of the sensitivity of pooled reagent RBCs in identifying clinically relevant red blood cell alloantibodies.
Main Results:
- The study demonstrated decreased sensitivity for antibody detection when using pooled reagent RBCs.
- This reduced sensitivity could lead to the failure in detecting clinically significant RBC alloantibodies.
Conclusions:
- The use of pooled reagent RBCs in antibody detection testing is associated with reduced sensitivity.
- Failure to detect clinically significant RBC alloantibodies may increase the risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions, particularly if indirect antiglobulin testing is omitted during crossmatching.