Comparison of various canine blood-typing methods.
OBJECTIVE
To compare canine blood-typing results determined by use of the card (CARD), gel (GEL), Michigan State University (MSU), and tube (TUBE) tests.


METHODS
Blood samples from 23 healthy dogs.


METHODS
Blood samples anticoagulated with EDTA were screened by use of each blood-typing method according to manufacturers' protocols.


RESULTS
Strong RBC agglutination reactions were observed with dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 reagents of the CARD and GEL tests as well as MSU test (only after adding Coombs' reagent) in 9 blood samples. By use of the CARD test, RBCs from 4 additional dogs agglutinated weakly; on the basis of MSU test results, these 4 dogs were classified as DEA 1.2 positive. All blood samples agglutinated with the B antigen reagent of the TUBE test. All but 2 blood samples had strong positive reactions with the DEA 4 reagent of the MSU test. All but 3 blood samples reacted with the E antigen reagent of the TUBE test. Three blood samples agglutinated with the DEA 3 reagent of the MSU test and A antigen reagent of the TUBE test. Five blood samples had strong agglutination reactions with the DEA 5 reagent of the MSU test.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the CARD test allows for rapid identification of DEA 1.1 but may produce weak reactions with blood from DEA 1.2-positive dogs. The GEL test is a reliable and rapid clinical laboratory method for identification of DEA 1.1. The MSU test requires Coombs' reagent for identification of DEA 1.1 and 1.2.
Giger
Urs
U
Section of Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Stieger
Knut
K
Palos
Hanna
H
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001789:Blood Group Antigens; D001788:Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000097:blood*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005782:Gels; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests / Q000662:veterinary
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001789:Blood Group Antigens; D005782:Gels