Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
FSL Constructs: A Simple Method for Modifying Cell/Virion Surfaces with a Range of Biological Markers Without Affecting their Viability
Published on: August 5, 2011
Detection of a new weak A blood-group allele (Aw11)
A Pruss1, G A Heymann, J Braun
1Institute of Transfusion Medicine - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. axel.pruss@charite.de
Background And Objectives:
Weak ABO variants may escape tests using unlicensed sera.
Materials And Methods:
Prior to transfusion, ABO grouping was performed using an automated system and in-house diluted sera, and manual and bedside test techniques. Genotyping and sequencing were performed using standard methods.
Results:
Initially, the red blood cells (RBC) of the first-time blood donor were typed as B, but pretransfusion testing carried out using the bedside test indicated the presence of an additional A phenotype. Serological re-examination confirmed the bedside test results, and the allele in question was identified, by genotyping, as a new weak A variant (Aw11).
Conclusions:
The use of CE-marked and licensed antisera is recommended to avoid ABO mistyping.
