A review of serologic problems caused by polyagglutinable red cells

Polyagglutination is a condition in which the erythrocyte membrane has been altered so that the red cell becomes agglutinable with the majority of adult serums. In many instances, it can be shown that the red cell membrane alteration has resulted in activation of one (or more) latent antigens, i.e. T, Tk, or Tn. Adult serums normally contain IgM antibodies directed against these hidden antigens. When these latent receptors are exposed, the cells will be found to be polyagglutinable upon subsequent testing with these serums. This review describes the serologic procedures applicable for identification and resolution of the problems each type of polyagglutinable cell creates for the blood bank.