Mass-scale donor red cell genotyping using real-time array technology

Abstract

Blood centers are in the unique position to evaluate large numbers of blood donations for antigen-negative blood types. The limitations with the use of hemagglutination, however, can be circumvented with red cell genotyping. The reagents used for genotyping are synthesized and can be designed for any of the known blood group antigen single nucleotide polymorphisms that are associated with blood group antigen expression. There is interest in the application of mass-scale red cell genotyping of blood donors to find rare phenotypes and rare combinations of antigens. When performed on donors who are predicted to donate again after testing, integrating the genotype information with existing donor data and demographics provides the blood center with real-time information to identify the common clinically relevant blood group antigens demanded by hospital transfusion services. This review outlines a red cell genotype methodology using TaqMan chemistry and existing algorithms and data handling to gain the full value of mass-scale red cell genotyping of blood donors. Immunohematology 2015;31:69-74.

Blood Group Testing

“…However, the sensitivity of the microarray chip decreases after repeated use, sample preparation, and labeling are technically demanding, and it can only detect known alleles. Semi-automatic platforms based on microarray assays have also been developed for blood group genotyping (1), including SNP stream (114,115), snapshot (116,117), open array (118,119), suspension array (120), and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis (121). However, the aforementioned techniques generally require DNA purification, which is usually the most speed-limiting and labor-intensive step.…”

Multiplex Lateral Flow Assay for Rapid Visual Blood Group Genotyping

“…Hemagglutination is the standard method for the determination of red blood cell phenotype. This serological technique is simple and sensitive but is not adapted in some limited situations, such as recently transfused patients or the presence of interfering autoantibodies. − Molecular typing for red blood cell antigens offers an alternative for blood group phenotype deduction, and the benefits of genotyping strategies in pretransfusion practice have been reported. − Several blood group genotyping platforms are commonly used in clinical environments; − however, current platforms using high-throughput devices are more suited for mass-scale screening, − and these analyses have to be performed by highly skilled personnel in accredited molecular testing laboratories . Moreover, these methods cannot rapidly provide red blood cell genotypes and thus cannot be utilized for emergency transfusions.…”