Objective: To report on a novel weak D type identified in a Chinese individual.
Methods: Peripheral blood sample was collected for a voluntary blood donor with weakened expression of D antigen. Routine serological testing was carried out to determine the D, C, c, E and e antigens of the Rh blood group. A D-screening kit was used to analyze the RhD epitopes. The 10 exons and flanking intronic regions of the RHD gene were sequenced. The zygosity of RHD was determined with a sequence-specific primer PCR method.
Results: A novel RHD allele, RHD (1022T>A), was found in the subject with a weak D phenotype. Serological testing of the RhD epitopes has coined with the weak D phenotype.
Conclusion: A novel weak D allele has been identified in Chinese population.