Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

Identification of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Paraffin-Embedded Feline Arterial Thrombi using Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Published on: March 29, 2020
Feline blood genotyping versus phenotyping, and detection of non-AB blood type incompatibilities in UK cats
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the agreement between AB blood phenotyping and genotyping and determine whether non-AB blood type incompatibilities exist in UK cats.
Methods:
Blood samples underwent phenotyping (A, B or AB) using microplate agglutination, and genotyping (AA, Ab or bb) using pyrosequencing of a fragment of the cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase gene. Non-AB blood type incompatibilities were investigated by cross-matching against reference blood of the same phenotype.
Results:
Of 112 cats tested, 86 (77%) were blood phenotype A, 19 (17%) type B and 7 (6%) type AB. Genotype and initial phenotype agreed in 96% (107 of 112) of cats, but 5 were discordant; these were all B phenotype with either AA (n=2) or Ab (n=3) genotype. Two of the five cats had repeat blood samples tested: one was reclassified as phenotype A; the other remained phenotype B. Two cats had incompatibilities on minor cross-match, but these were attributed to phenotyping errors.
Clinical Significance:
Unknown mutation(s) associated with phenotype B, resulting in false AA or Ab genotyping, were evident in a small number of cases in this study. No conclusive evidence for non-AB blood type incompatibilities was found.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Typing
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target...
Blood Types
ABO blood group
ABO antigens are glycoproteins encoded by genes present on...
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
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...
Blood Transfusion
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...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

