Gel-test: interpretation and value of a new technique for the detection of irregular antibodies.
Here we report on our experience with the use of a 'Gel-Test' (DiaMed-ID Micro Typing System) technique for the detection and identification of irregular antibodies in a general hospital. This easy-to-use, standardized technique poses the question of the impact of its sensitivity on the specificity of the results. Of the 10% of observed positive reactions, 3.7% were irregular antibodies, 3.8% papain auto-antibodies, 1% cold antibodies and 2% not elucidated. Two hundred and eighteen irregular antibodies identified and titred with the 'gel-test' system were tested in parallel by 'tube' method. Sixty-three of these antibodies (29%) were not detected by the 'tube' method. While anti-Kell was always detected by both methods, we found the following false natives with the tube method: 15% anti-D, 32% anti-E, 42% anti-Cw and 58% anti-Lea. 68% of these false negatives had a low titre. The immunoglobulin class of the anti-E was studied; the sensitivity of the 'gel-test' system was associated with IgM in the anti-E. The sensitivity and standardization of the 'gel-test' technique guarantee greater safety in blood transfusion and increase efficiency in the prevention of foeto-maternal stimulation of anti-D.
Pottier
C
C
Centre hospitalier de Corbeil-Essonnes, Service de Biologie du Dr H Baufine-Ducrocq, France.
Quillet
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P
Baufine-Ducrocq
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H
D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D001787:Blood Group Incompatibility / Q000097:blood; D001788:Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / Q000379:methods*; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000379:methods; D002850:Chromatography, Gel / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000906:Antibodies