The sensitivity of antibody detection testing using pooled versus unpooled reagent red cells

Evaluation of paternity (alleged father, mother, and child) can range from a straightforward resolution to a complex problem that cannot be resolved without family studies. We present a case of disputed paternity in which tests for crossreactive groups (CREcS) and antigen subtypes (splits) within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system could not be used confidently to prove or disprove paternity. Further analysis, red cell enzyme tests, enabled a final verdict and confirmed the current reliability of HLA antisera defining splits.