Molecular RHD screening of RhD negative donors can replace standard serological testing for RhD negative donors

This work aims to assess the value of a generalized molecular RHD screening strategy which could replace routine serological screening of weak D by indirect antiglobulin test. Three independent studies were performed at the two Blood Transfusion Services Berne and Zurich. Donors investigated were 652 RhD negative, but RhC and/or RhE positive, 17,391 mainly Rhccee, and 8200 with normal RhCcEe phenotype distribution. In study I single samples, in studies II and III minipools of 24 and 20 donor samples were tested, respectively. Among 26,243 phenotypically RhD negative blood donors, 65 carriers of RHD alleles were identified. Thirty-one of them were redefined as RhD positive.