From Rh Blood Group Antigen Antibody Testing to "Transfusionomics"

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Rh blood group typing is essential for safe blood transfusions.
• Irregular antibody screening prevents transfusion-related adverse events.
• Understanding Rh antigen and antibody profiles is critical for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze Rh blood group antigen and irregular antibody detection in 5050 Chinese patients.
• To emphasize the importance of Rh blood group typing before transfusion.
• To introduce and support the concept of "Transfusionomics".

Main Methods:

• Microcolumn gel technology for Rh blood group antigen typing and antibody screening.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing for RHD genotype determination.
• Analysis of 5050 patient samples for RhD status and antibody presence.

Main Results:

• Out of 5050 patients, 5030 were RhD-positive and 20 were RhD-negative.
• Rh blood group system antibodies were detected in 49 cases (70% of all antibodies).
• Among 20 RhD-negative cases, 11 showed RHD gene deletion, and 9 had all 10 exons retained.

Conclusions:

• Large-scale Rh antigen and antibody analysis prevents red blood cell alloimmunization from transfusions.
• Individualized and precise blood transfusion strategies can be realized through detailed Rh typing.
• Daily data from transfusion laboratories will form the foundation for "Transfusionomics".