STUDY OF WEAK D PHENOTYPE IN HETEROGENEOUS POPULATION.

Weak D is the current phenotypic term used to denote a weakened expression of Rhesus (Rh) D antigen on red cells due to a quantitative or qualitative difference in Rh antigen. The present study was undertaken from January 1986 to August 1997. Out of a total of 5042 Rh D confirmation tests 22 (0.43%) weak D phenotypes were detected. Fifteen (68.3%) weak D phenotypes were from blood group O. Five (22.7%) from blood group A and one (4.5%) each from blood group B and AB. There were 15 males and 7 females. There were no cases of haemolytic disease of the newborn or Rh incompatibility.