A uniform method for the simultaneous blood group phenotyping of Fya , Fyb , Jka , Jkb , S, s̅, P1, k applying lateral-flow technique

Abstract

Background and objectives: A lateral flow assay for simultaneous blood group typing of ABO, RhD, C, E, c, e, Cw and K with stable end-point and without centrifugation is in routine use since several years (MDmulticard^® ). The typing of extended phenotype parameters belonging to the Duffy, Kidd, MNSs blood group systems and others, however, has not yet been demonstrated for this technique. Reliable detection of Fy^x , a weak Fy^b phenotype with a pronounced quantitative reduction of the number of Fy^b antigens on the erythrocyte surface, remains a weakness of current serological blood grouping techniques.

Material and methods: The performance characteristics of the following reagents were evaluated in donor and patient samples in lateral flow technology (MDmulticard^® ): Anti-Fy^a , -Fy^b , -Jk^a , -Jk^b , -S, -s̅, -P1 and -k. The sensitivity to detect Fy^x was in addition evaluated with Fy^x positive samples, which had been preselected by MALDI-TOF MS-based genotyping.

Results: All results obtained with the MDmulticard^® were in full accordance with those of the CE-certified reference products for all the eight reagent formulations used: Anti-Fy^a , -Fy^b , -Jk^a , -Jk^b , -S, -s̅, -P1 and -k. Also, all Fy^x phenotypes of the selected population of 93 positive samples, originally identified by MALDI-TOF MS-based genotyping, were reliably detected by the lateral flow assay.

Conclusion: Extended phenotype blood group parameters, including the serologically challenging Fy^x phenotype, can be determined simultaneously, rapidly and accurately using the lateral flow (MDmulticard^® ) technology, even in cases when IgG class antibodies are the only source of diagnostic antibodies.

Keywords: FY*02W; Fyx; IgG; IgM; blood group typing; lateral flow.