Effect of dithiothreitol treatment of plasma on automated anti-D assay

A study of automated anti-D quantitation on untreated and dithiothreitol (DTT) pre-treated plasma has been undertaken. The results indicate that in most cases pre-treatment of plasma with DTT causes a reduction in the anti-D level detected. In one case such treatment caused the anti-D level to fall to less than 50% of its original value. DTT treatment prior to quantitation may give a more accurate assessment of the IgG anti-D level present in plasma and thus be of assistance in the selection of suitable plasma for anti-D immunoglobulin preparation. The technique may also have applications in the diagnosis and management of haemolytic disease of the newborn.