A Chinese individual with DEL phenotype caused by a novel RHD allele

RhD variants are categorized into partial D, weak D, and DEL. The detection of DEL can only be achieved through the adsorption and elution method or molecular techniques. Here, we report a case of DEL phenotypes associated with a novel allele in a Chinese individual.

We used serological methods such as saline, indirect anti-human globulin, and adsorption-elution. The RHD genotype was determined by the PCR-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) method as well as the Sanger dideoxy sequencing.

RBCs of the sample were found to be DEL phenotype by serological testing, with negative reactions in the saline and indirect anti-human globulin tests while positive reactions by the absorption-elution method. The genotyping results revealed a hemizygous (RHD^{c .1127 T>G}/RHD-). The novel allele sequence has been submitted to GenBank (Accession number: OR608456).

Our study demonstrates a case of a Chinese individual with DEL phenotype caused by a novel allele RHD c .1127 T > G. It expands the database of the DEL variant.