From the Guidelines
Antibody identification (antibody ID) is a critical laboratory test used to determine the specificity of antibodies present in a patient's blood, crucial for preventing transfusion reactions and ensuring compatible blood selection for transfusion. This test is typically performed when unexpected antibodies are detected during antibody screening tests, and it involves mixing the patient's serum with panels of red blood cells with known antigens and observing for agglutination reactions 1. The process of antibody ID is vital in transfusion medicine, as it helps identify antibodies that could react with donor red blood cells, thereby preventing potentially dangerous transfusion reactions that could cause hemolysis, fever, or other adverse effects.
Importance of Antibody ID
The importance of antibody ID is highlighted in the context of patients who have been previously sensitized through pregnancy, transfusion, or transplantation, as these individuals are at a higher risk of developing antibodies against red blood cell antigens 1. By identifying the specific antibodies present, healthcare providers can select appropriate blood products and avoid adverse reactions. The identification process may involve multiple techniques, including tube testing, gel cards, or solid phase methods, and sometimes requires specialized reference laboratory testing for complex cases.
Benefits of Extended Red Cell Antigen Profiling
Extended red cell antigen profiling, which includes typing for Rh (C/c, E/e) and K antigens, as well as other antigens such as Jk a/Jk b, Fy a/Fy b, M/N, and S/s, can expedite antibody identification and donor unit selection when a patient requiring transfusion presents with a positive antibody screen 1. This approach can benefit patients by facilitating the identification of compatible blood, thereby reducing the risk of transfusion reactions and improving patient outcomes.
Key Considerations
Key considerations in antibody ID include the specificity of the antibody in the patient plasma, the complexity of the patient’s transfusion complications, the level of expertise in the testing laboratory, and the availability of donor units in a hospital inventory 1. These factors can impact the outcomes of antibody ID and the selection of compatible blood products. Therefore, antibody ID should be performed in a timely and accurate manner to ensure the safe selection of blood products for transfusion.
From the Research
Definition of Antibody ID
- Antibody ID refers to the identification of specific antibodies present in an individual's blood, which can react with certain antigens on red blood cells.
- This identification is crucial in transfusion medicine to prevent hemolytic reactions, which can occur when incompatible blood is transfused 2, 3, 4, 5.
Importance of Antibody ID
- Antibody ID helps to determine the compatibility of blood products with the recipient's blood, reducing the risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions 6, 5.
- It also enables the detection of specific antibodies, such as anti-A, anti-B, and anti-M, which can cause hemolysis in certain individuals 2, 3, 4.