Routine use of DNA testing for red cell antigens in blood centres.

During the last decade a number of blood establishments started using molecular methods for typing a subset of their blood donors for minor red cell antigens as a part of their routine work. It can be expected that this development will continue and that DNA testing will take a significant role in future. A sufficient number of antigen-typing in the donor-database allows for the efficient supply of red cell units for patients who carry irregular antibodies directed to red cell antigens. Therefore blood centres often operate antigen typing programs for a subset of their repeat donors. Large-scale donor typing programs are labour-intensive and costly. DNA testing is a feasible alternative to standard serological assays. The most important advantage is the easy access to a spectrum of hundreds of antigens independent of the availability of serological reagents. Besides, that there are both positive, but also less favourable aspects, which are related to the different particular methods and platforms available for molecular testing. Several of them enable medium- and high-throughput applications and some are more cost-efficient than serology.