DNA-based assays for patient testing: their application, interpretation, and correlation of results

DNA analysis for the prediction of RBC phenotype has broad implication in transfusion medicine. Hemagglutination testing, long the gold standard for immunohematology testing, has significant limitations. DNA analysis affords a useful addition to the arsenal of methods used to resolve complex serologic investigations. This report discusses the interpretation of results obtained by DNA analyses and their correlation with serologic results. Some current applications to resolve serologic problems encountered in patient testing are reviewed and case studies are presented to demonstrate the power of combining DNA analysis with hemagglutination.