Automated detection of red cell antibodies in donor sera using an automated technology

The evaluation of two automated (AutoGrouper-16C) antibody detection techniques, designed for routine use is reported. Three channels on the instrument were modified for low-ionic-strength or enzyme methods. The incidence of antibody detection was 90.5 percent, and all antibodies that were not detected had titers of 4 or less and would be unlikely to cause adverse clinical reactions if transfused. The adaptation of this automated instrument for donor antibody screening resulted in substantial time and cost savings.