RHD antigen density and agglutination in RHD variant red cells

Transfus Clin Biol. 1996;3(6):385-6. doi: 10.1016/s1246-7820(96)80049-8.

Abstract

For the Rhesus categories DIV, DVI, and DVII, agglutination was compared to the number of RHD antigens per cell. We detected 3,100 to 15,400 antigens/cell on DVI. We report examples of anti-D reactivity showing lack of specificity and pointing to the known serologic split in DIV and DVI. Such a split was not found in DVII. Other examples were explained by lack of sensitivity. These results emphasized the need to consider RHD antigen densities, before a serologic split in RHD variant cells is postulated. In this context, flow cytometry may be superior to agglutination titers to determine antigen densities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agglutination Tests
  • Erythrocytes / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / analysis*

Substances

  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System