BOF: Transfusion (Red Cell Serology)

In blood group serological testing all of the following antibodies could be detected using the saline method alone, without requiring the indirect antiglobulin test, except one. Which is the exception?

a) Anti-K

b) Anti-M

c) Anti-N

d) Anti-P1

e) Anti-S

Answer:

a) Anti-K

Explanation:

The IgM inducing antigen systems (carbohydrate and lipid based: MNS, ABH, P1, Lewis) may be detected by the saline method alone, but some may be augmented with IAT or enzyme pretreatment.

Reference:

Mollison's Blood Transfusion in Clinical Medicine. Harvey G. Klein, David J. Anstee. John Wiley & Sons, 14 Nov 2013

​This is a reference text and not open access; but you may well find it in your transfusion laboratory.