Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
06:29
Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells
Published on: January 29, 2014
Anti Kell allo-antibody in a thalassaemic
Beenu Thakral1, Karan Saluja, Ratti Ram Sharma
1Department of Transfusion Medicine and Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. beenschor@yahoo.co.in
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|April 22, 2006
Summary
Incidental anti-Kell antibody was found in a child with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Sensitive crossmatching techniques are crucial to avoid missed Kell antibody detection and ensure safe blood transfusions for allo-immunized patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Thalassaemia necessitates frequent blood transfusions, increasing alloimmunization risk.
- Kell blood group system antibodies can be challenging to detect with standard methods.
- Routine indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) crossmatching may miss Kell antibodies due to low antigen prevalence.
Observation:
- A case of incidental anti-Kell antibody detection in a child with transfusion-dependent thalassemia is presented.
- The antibody was identified despite standard crossmatching procedures.
Findings:
- Standard IAT crossmatch may yield false-negative results for Kell antibodies.
- Low Kell antigen prevalence contributes to potential detection failures.
- Sensitive crossmatching techniques using homozygous screening cells are recommended.
Implications:
- Accurate Kell antibody detection is vital for preventing transfusion reactions.
- Implementing sensitive crossmatching protocols improves transfusion safety.
- Transfusion alert cards are essential for managing allo-immunized patients and guiding future transfusions.
Related Concept Videos
02:45Blood 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...
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...
01:10Blood 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,...
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target antigens A,...
01:26Antibody Actions
Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are critical players in the immune system's arsenal against invading pathogens. Produced by B cells and plasma cells, their primary role is to detect and bind to specific antigens, molecules found on the surface of pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Beyond antigen recognition, antibodies perform several vital functions that contribute to immune defense.
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
01:15Blood 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 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...
01:31Hybridoma Technology
Hybridoma technology is used for the large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies bind to only a single antigenic determinant or epitope. Such antibodies are used in research, diagnostics, and disease therapy. The hybridoma technology established in 1975 by Georges Köhler and Cesar Milstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1984 for revolutionizing research and therapy.
Hybridoma Selection
Commonly used fusion techniques — electroporation, polyethylene glycol...
Hybridoma Selection
Commonly used fusion techniques — electroporation, polyethylene glycol...
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
Overview