A prospective study of the effect of dextran administration on compatibility testing

The effects of dextran therapy on pretransfusion compatibility testing were evaluated in 24 patients with a variety of vascular disorders. Specimens were drawn before, during, and after the administration of low-molecular-weight dextran (average molecular weight, 40 kd). Forty-three specimens were studied extensively with several immunohematologic techniques. Dextran levels were measured to determine whether the concentration influenced the results of serologic tests. In no instance could we demonstrate any interference by dextran with pretransfusion tests, even at high serum levels of dextran.