Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Antigens Protected Functional Red Blood Cells By The Membrane Grafting Of Compact Hyperbranched Polyglycerols
Published on: January 2, 2013
False-negative compatible antiglobulin crossmatches in samples with alloantibodies to cognate red blood cell antigens
Christian P Nixon1, Stephanie L Krohto2, Joseph D Sweeney2
1Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital.
Background:
Patient samples showing a positive indirect antiglobulin test are further tested to identify alloantibody specificity using a panel of phenotypically characterized group O reagent red blood cells (RBCs). Donor RBCs phenotypically negative for the antibody specificity are then serologically crossmatched using an antiglobulin reagent. This latter test is performed to identify any incompatibility due to the presence of undetected minor blood group antibodies and considered an important step in patient safety.
Study Design And Methods:
Samples with well-characterized alloantibodies were intentionally crossmatched against donor RBCs expressing the cognate antigen. In a separate set of specimens, the alloantibody was titered and crossmatched against both heterozygous and homozygous cells.
Results:
Thirty-five samples containing 10 common alloantibodies crossmatched against 240 ABO-compatible donor cells phenotypically positive for the cognate antigen showed compatible crossmatches in 89 of 240 (37%). Antibody titering of 12 alloantibodies showed that a titer of 2 or more was required for incompatibility of all homozygous cells and a titer of 8 or more for incompatibility of all heterozygous cells.
Conclusion:
The antiglobulin crossmatch has a high failure rate (false-negatives) related to antibody titer and donor cell zygosity and is not reliable in interdicting incompatibility due to minor blood group antibodies.
Related Concept Videos
False Memories
One primary source of false memories is misattribution, where individuals incorrectly associate external information...
Antigen Presenting Cells
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
Negative Regulator Molecules
Red Algae
Positive, Negative, and Zero Work
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...

