The Incidence of Unexpected Antibodies in Transfusion Candidates

Lee, Woon Hyoung; Kim, Sin Young; Kim, Hyun Ok

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Some investigators have done several studies on the frequency and distribution of unexpected antibodies in Korea. But more studies are necessary to estimate the precise frequency of unexpected antibodies. METHOD: In order to determine the frequency of unexpected antibodies, we analyzed the results from 23,735 antibody-screening tests performed for transfusion candidates at Yonsei University Severance Hospital during a recent two-year period (March 1998~ Feb 2000). Screening and identification of unexpected antibodies were carried out using a gel agglutination technique with DiaMed-ID system (DiaMed, Murten, Switzerland). RESLUT: Out of all 23,735 serum samples, positive results were obtained from 109 sera (0.46%). Clinically significant antibodies were found from 0.29% of all the population. Antibodies that were detected most frequently were anti-E+c (33 sera), followed by anti-E (19 sera) and anti-Lea (12 sera).
CONCLUSION
We found that Rh antibodies, clinically significant unexpected antibodies, are detected frequently in Korea, too. So we consider that unexpected antibody screening test must be included in pre-transfusion test in Korea and this information is reassuring in assessing the risk associated with blood transfusion in many hospitals of Korea.