Eleven Years' Experience with Unexpected Antibody Screening Tests Including a Di(a) Cell in Transfusion Candidates

Ok, Soon Jung; Kim, Shine Young; Kim, In Suk; Lee, Eun Yup; Kim, Hyung Hoi

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The Di(a) antigen has been detected with a relatively higher incidence among the Korean and Southeast Asian population. A 'Type and Screen' procedure is recommended for efficient transfusion, therefore, we perform antibody screening tests using antibody screening panels containing a Di(a) cell. The purpose of this study was to report on the experience of unexpected antibody screening test including a Di(a) cell in the Korean population.
METHODS
We analyzed the results of antibody screening testing and identification performed during the recent 11-year period from January 2002 to December 2012. A commercially available three-cell antigen panel (Diacell I, II, Di(a); DiaMed, Murten, Switzerland) was used for antibody screening. Antibodies were identified using a LISS/Coombs gel card and NaCl/Enzyme card, using the DiaMed-ID system (DiaMed, Murten, Switzerland).
RESULTS
The frequency of unexpected antibodies was 1.23% (1,918/156,161); the most frequently detected antibodies were anti-E (292 samples), followed by anti-E,c (127 samples), anti-Le(a) (103 samples), and anti-Di(a) (91 samples).
CONCLUSION
Results of this study showed that the most identified unexpected antibodies were clinically significant, and, in particular, anti-Di(a) antibodies are detected frequently in the Korean population. Thus, unexpected antibody screening test including a Di(a) cell is thought to be helpful in Korea for safe transfusion.