title: Clinical and laboratory update on the DEL variant.
abstract: Serological assays for the RhD blood group are based on detection of the RhD antigen on human red blood cells using a specific anti-D antibody. The weak expression of the RhD antigen in the DEL variant hinders the sensitivity of conventional serological assays. Evidence of anti-D immunization in patients with D-negativity who have received DEL-variant blood units has been reported in various populations. This observation has prompted the need for genetic epidemiological and clinical data on the DEL variant in the development of DEL molecular diagnostic testing. This review highlights the molecular features of the DEL variant, the clinical consequences of DEL-blood transfusion, and current approaches for detection of the DEL-variant for donor screening and transfusion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Microscopy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand Center for Innovation Development and Technology Transfer, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand pornlada.nuc@mahidol.ac.th.
authors.forename: Pornlada
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nuchnoi
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Microscopy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand National Blood Center, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Jairak
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thongbus
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Microscopy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Apapan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Srisarin
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Usanee
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Kerdpin
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Virapong
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Prachayasittikul
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000235:genetics; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System
keywords: DEL; RHD; blood group genotyping; genetic variation; transfusion medicine; transfusion reaction