Polyethylene glycol in the production of blood grouping reagents: some further advantages

The use of various water-soluble non-ionic polymers, including polyethylene glycol (PEG) 8000, has been described in the preparation of diagnostic blood grouping reagents. The major advantages of using PEG in this way are ease of preparation and the ability to concentrate antibodies. We describe here two previously unreported advantages of using PEG: (i) substantial reductions in the volume of red cells required for adsorption of isoagglutinins; and (ii) the ability to store PEG precipitates in a 'dry' form substantially reduces storage requirements.