Red cell genotyping has moved from the bench to the bedside.  This Symposium will provide an update on clinical solutions that red cell genotyping provides in transfusion medicine.  Clinical and laboratory training aspects are also featured, which accompany the current molecular immunohematology opportunities.

Accurate determination of blood group phenotypes is impossible in the setting of recent transfusion. In addition, clinically relevant phenotype information cannot be determined for patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemias.  To address these issues, transfusion medicine laboratories have adopted molecular techniques for clinical application. These techniques are performed using DNA, obtained from white blood cell among other sources, rather than red cells to circumvent the limitations of serologic testing.  It is now commonplace to use molecular techniques, which enable to predict blood group phenotypes despite recent transfusion and a positive direct antiglobulin test.  In addition, molecular testing can reveal antigen variants that are not obvious with the use of red cell phenotyping, and molecular tests can be designed to evaluate genotypes in the absence of blood group antisera.

Thus, red cell genotyping and the concept of genotype (dry)-matched transfusions provide ‘clinical solutions’ to aid in the reduction of the potential alloimmunizations and transfusion reactions, and to find potential compatible blood where serological testing cannot.

To Register:  visit http://www.bcw.edu/rcg2014 or call 414-937-6271