A detailed serological study of five anti-Jka sera reacting by the antiglobulin technique

Detailed serological investigation of five examples of anti-Jka revealed considerable heterogeneity in their characteristics. All the sera were investigated by the antiglobulin technique, with and without complement and by a range of sensitization and testing methods. Three were readily detected in the presence of complement, while two were detectable with anti-IgG, providing a spin test was used. Complement was bound by all and resulted in enhanced reactions, particularly when slide/tile tests were used. The study emphasizes that anti-complement (C3) is an essential component of polyspecific antiglobulin reagents used in cross-matching, enabling the ready detection of these clinically important antibodies.