Red cell antibody screening and identification: a comparison of two column technology methods

Two commercial column techniques for use in antibody screening and identification procedures were tested in parallel with 1000 random samples sent for ante-natal serological investigation. The DiaMed ID microtyping system uses a sephadex gel contained in microtubes, either neutral or impregnated with anti-human globulin (AHG), for use in two-stage enzyme methods and LISS indirect antiglobulin testing (IAT) respectively. The Ortho Biovue technique consists of a slurry of micro glass spheres which act as the filter to retain haemagglutination reactions within the matrix. Columns containing AHG also possess a macromolecular density barrier to prevent test serum from passing into the column and neutralising the AHG. Both systems offer the advantage of 'no-wash' IAT, which minimises the potential for problems and errors associated with conventional spin-tube techniques. In this comparison of the two column methods, antibody detection rates were found to be similar and the sensitivity of both methods was comparable, although the Biovue technique was prone to exhibit equivocal results, particularly in the IAT.