Evaluation of a new flow cytometric HPA 1a screening method. A rapid and reliable tool for HPA 1a screening of blood donors and pregnant women.

We have evaluated a flow cytometric screening method for identification of HPA la negative individuals, using a commercially available monoclonal anti-CD61 antibody specific for the HPA 1a allotype, and compared the method with an ELISA based method for HPA la phenotyping and two methods for PCR genotyping. HPA 1a phenotyping by fluorochrome conjugated monoclonal anti-HPA la and analysis by flow cytometry is a rapid, reliable and inexpensive technique, suitable for screening purposes.