title: Evaluation of an automated microplate technique in the Galileo system for ABO and Rh(D) blood grouping.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A number of automated devices for pretransfusion testing have recently become available. This study evaluated the Immucor Galileo System, a fully automated device based on the microplate hemagglutination technique for ABO/Rh (D) determinations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Routine ABO/Rh typing tests were performed on 13,045 samples using the Immucor automated instruments. Manual tube method was used to resolve ABO forward and reverse grouping discrepancies. D-negative test results were investigated and confirmed manually by the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The system rejected 70 tests for sample inadequacy. 87 samples were read as "No-type-determined" due to forward and reverse grouping discrepancies. 25 tests gave these results because of sample hemolysis. After further tests, we found 34 tests were caused by weakened RBC antibodies, 5 tests were attributable to weak A and/or B antigens, 4 tests were due to mixed-field reactions, and 8 tests had high titer cold agglutinin with blood qualifications which react only at temperatures below 34 degrees C. In the remaining 11 cases, irregular RBC antibodies were identified in 9 samples (seven anti-M and two anti-P) and two subgroups were identified in 2 samples (one A1 and one A2) by a reference laboratory. As for D typing, 2 weak D+ samples missed by automated systems gave negative results, but weak-positive reactions were observed in the IAT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Immucor Galileo System is reliable and suited for ABO and D blood groups, some reasons may cause a discrepancy in ABO/D typing using a fully automated system. It is suggested that standardization of sample collection may improve the performance of the fully automated system.
authors.forename: Weiyi
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wan
authors.forename: Yufeng
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lou
authors.forename: Jiali
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Weilin
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mao
mesh_terms: D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000145:classification*; D000328:Adult; D001331:Automation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D001788:Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / Q000145:classification*
chemical_list: D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; C026410:Rho(D) antigen