Application of the gel test in IgG subclassing--a comparison of two agglutination assays.
OBJECTIVE
IgG subclasses of anti-D seem to play some role in hemolytic disease of the newborn, but there has been disagreement as to its exact nature. The aim of our study was to evaluate a new technique for IgG subclassing of anti-D and to compare it to an established test.


METHODS
In 31 cases of RhD immunization, we have compared two simple agglutinating assays for subclassing anti-D: an established V-well microtiter tray assay and a new gel test assay. Polyclonal rabbit anti-IgG agglutinating antibodies were tested against sensitized D-positive red blood cells by both assays.


RESULTS
The anti-D concentration in tested sera varied between 0.1 and 81 micrograms/ml (0.5-405 IU/ml). Both assays were simple to perform and the results correlated well.


CONCLUSIONS
The gel test had two advantages: quick performance and easy interpretation.
Palfi
M
M
University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Hildén
J O
JO
D000371:Agglutination; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D011817:Rabbits
D007074:Immunoglobulin G