FDA OKs Test to Improve Blood Donor-Recipient Matching


The four major blood groups -- A, B, AB or O -- are determined by the presence or absence of two antigens (A and B) on the surface of red blood cells, according to the American Red Cross. In addition, a third antigen -- the Rh factor -- can be either present (positive) or absent (negative). An antigen is a substance that prompts the immune system to produce antibodies against it.

Red blood cells also have minor blood group antigens (non-ABO antigens). Some people develop antibodies to non-ABO antigens after receiving a blood transfusion or following pregnancy. People who receive repeated blood transfusions (such as those with sickle cell disease) are especially likely to develop antibodies to non-ABO antigens, the FDA explained in a news release.


Now, the Immucor PreciseType Human Erythrocyte Antigen (HEA) Molecular BeadChip Test can be used to identify non-ABO red blood cell types, according to the news release.


Current blood testing sometimes fails to detect certain non-ABO antigens. The new test offers a way to detect non-ABO antigens that may otherwise be missed, according to the FDA.



More information


SOURCE: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, news release, May 21, 2014