Impact of Anti-M on Grouping and Cross Matching: The Challenges Faced in Three Cases

Abstract

Anti-M, a frequently encountered antibody of the MNS blood group system, is commonly regarded as a naturally occurring saline agglutinin that can occasionally exhibit clinically significant behaviour. Particularly when reactive at 37°C or during the antiglobulin phase, it can complicate pretransfusion testing and patient management in the blood bank. Three distinct cases (2 males. 1 female) in varying clinical scenarios, ranging from surgery to acute coronary syndrome, are described. The present cases presented discrepancies in blood grouping and compatibility testing, highlighting the challenges posed by the presence of Anti-M antibodies that react at or above room temperature and during the antiglobulin phase, thus defying the usual expectations. It is imperative to provide antigen-negative red cells and those that are compatible by an Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT) when Anti-M is reactive at 37°C to ensure safe transfusion. Hence, there is a need to underscore the potential clinical implications in transfusion medicine, as well as the nuances of detecting, identifying, and managing the presence of Anti-M antibodies in patients requiring transfusion.

Keywords

• antibodies
• antiglobulin test
• blood transfusion
• cold agglutinins