Monocyte-mediated erythrocyte destruction. A comparative study of current methods.

Three assay systems-EAIgG rosette formation, 51Cr release, and erythrophagocytosis-were used to quantitate interaction between antibody-coated human erythrocytes and normal blood monocytes. The three methods were compared in terms of time requirements and sensitivity. Erythrophagocytosis required more time to perform (2 hours) than did rosette tests (30 minutes) but less than minimum 51Cr release assays (5.5 hours). Erythrophagocytosis was 20-fold more sensitive than either of the other two procedures. Results obtained with purified IgG anti-D and with antibodies induced by transfusion or pregnancy were similar.