Detection of a new weak A blood-group allele (Aw11).
OBJECTIVE
Weak ABO variants may escape tests using unlicensed sera.


METHODS
Prior to transfusion, ABO grouping was performed using an automated system and in-house diluted sera, and manual and bedside test techniques. Genotyping and sequencing were performed using standard methods.


RESULTS
Initially, the red blood cells (RBC) of the first-time blood donor were typed as B, but pretransfusion testing carried out using the bedside test indicated the presence of an additional A phenotype. Serological re-examination confirmed the bedside test results, and the allele in question was identified, by genotyping, as a new weak A variant (Aw11).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of CE-marked and licensed antisera is recommended to avoid ABO mistyping.
Pruss
A
A
Institute of Transfusion Medicine - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. axel.pruss@charite.de
Heymann
G A
GA
Braun
J
J
Kiesewetter
H H
HH
Salama
A
A
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000235:genetics*; D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D000740:Anemia / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D001788:Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / Q000592:standards; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008590:Meningoencephalitis / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System