Alloantibody Identification: The Importance of Temperature, Strength Reaction and Enzymes—A Pratical Approach

Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization and antibodies formation against non-self-antigen on red cells may occur after blood transfusion, pregnancies or other exposures. The RBC alloimmunization rates varies from 2% to 6% according to recent studies. The antibody screen is performed to identify or confirm the presence of antibodies in patient’s serum or plasma, as a preoperative or pretransfusion tests. The antibody identification process and major crossmatch are provided to improve the safety of red blood transfusion administration. I report three examples associated with clinically significant single and multiple alloantibodies. Ultimately, I summarize key points for a clinical transfusion practice.