Typing of normal and variant red cells with ABO, Rh, and Kell typing reagents using a gel typing system

In 1989 Lapierre et al. described a novel method of detecting agglutination reactions by the use of a Sephadex (DiaMed ID Typing System) gel held in a microtube. This report examines the use of gels containing ABO, Rh, and Kell system specific antibodies. The anti-A and -B were monoclonal reagents; anti-A,B, and those for the Rh and Kell systems were polyclonal. Five hundred and fifty-one tests performed for the ABO system detected all but the most weakly reacting variants, a detection rate superior to most commercially available reagents. Five hundred and thirty samples were typed for Rh antigens. One hundred and twenty-seven of these were of various D category III through VII types (Dcats) and 154 were Du>s. The gel system detected all but seven DVI variants and seven Dus. The seven DVI variants, from individuals with no anti-D in their sera, gave reactions identical to the seven Dus when tested against a panel of over 50 monoclonal IgG and IgM anti-Ds. The 554 samples tested for the K1 antigen gave correct results.