[Genotyping of 21,000 blood donors in Quebec and RHD analysis].

Area of Science:

• Genetics and genomics
• Transfusion medicine
• Immunohaematology

Context:

• Héma-Québec initiated a large-scale blood donor genotyping project in 2007.
• The project aimed to create a comprehensive database for identifying compatible blood donors.
• Genotyping 21,000 samples for 22 red blood cell and platelet polymorphisms was central to this initiative.

Purpose:

• To establish a robust database for efficient identification of compatible blood donors.
• To screen a significant number of blood samples for specific genetic polymorphisms.
• To enhance the ability to meet increasing demands for compatible blood transfusions.

Summary:

• A genotyping project screened 21,000 blood donors for 22 red blood cell and platelet group polymorphisms.
• Genotype and phenotype concordance reached 99.6%, with discrepancies thoroughly investigated.
• Analysis of D negative donors identified 13 individuals with variant RHD genes, including RHD*Ψ.

Impact:

• Héma-Québec can now rapidly fulfill requests for compatible blood.
• The project secured the D negative blood inventory by identifying variant RHD genes.
• Established a valuable genetic database for transfusion services.