Molecular Blood Group and Platelet Testing

The American Red Cross Molecular Reference Laboratory in Philadelphia offers DNA-based testing for blood group and platelet antigens in blood donor or patient samples. Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) technology, the laboratory performs DNA and RNA sequencing to resolve complex Rh blood group alleles, identify weak ABO subgroups, and characterize new mutations and null alleles in any of the blood group or platelet antigen systems.

Molecular testing should be considered when:

• Typing a patient who has had multiple transfusions or a positive Direct Antiglobulin Test
• Screening for antigen-negative donor units and antisera are in short supply or unavailable
• Resolving ABO and Rh typing discrepancies for patients or donors
• Determining paternal RHD zygosity
• Resolving or confirming weak D or partial D
• Identifying e-variants; typing panels and rare donor cells; or genotyping for NAIT and post-transfusion purpura (PTP).

For more information contact: pjmolecular@usa.redcross.org, or call: 215-451-4917.