RHD genotyping and its implication in transfusion practice

Area of Science:

• Blood banking
• Genetics
• Immunology

Background:

• Serological limitations in blood typing can be addressed by molecular methods.
• Evaluating RH systematic genotyping is crucial for transfusion practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the contribution of RH systematic genotyping in D- blood donors.
• To understand the implications of D- genotyping in transfusion practices.

Main Methods:

• Collected blood samples from 400 unrelated D- individuals.
• Utilized RHD exon 10 PCR, PCR-multiplex, and PCR-SSPs for genotyping.
• Investigated molecular mechanisms of RHD gene carriers.

Main Results:

• 390 out of 400 D- subjects showed RHD gene deletion.
• 10 subjects had RHD exon 10, with seven associated with C or E antigens.
• Identified RHD-CE-Ds hybrid, RHD pseudogene, and weak D type 4 in D- carriers.

Conclusions:

• Aberrant RHD alleles were frequently linked to C or E antigens.
• Recommended treating D- donors with C+/E+ antigens as D+ donors.
• Advocated for RHD molecular typing primarily for resolving serological discrepancies.