Molecular Pathology in Transfusion Medicine: New Concepts and Applications

Virtually all the red blood cell and platelet antigen systems have been characterized at the molecular level. Highly reliable methods for red blood cell and platelet antigen genotyping are now available. Genotyping is a useful adjunct to traditional serology and can help resolve complex serologic problems. Although red blood cell and platelet phenotypes can be inferred from genotype, knowledge of the molecular basis is essential for accurate assignment. Genotyping of blood donors is an effective method of identifying antigen-negative and/or particularly rare donors. Cell-free DNA analysis provides a promising noninvasive method of assessing fetal genotypes of blood group alloantigens.