Is indirect coombs test by pooled cells sufficient for antibody screening? An eye-opening case series

Abstract

The ideal way to screen for the presence of alloantibodies is by antibody screening panels which represent all clinically significant antigens in appropriate dosage. Most centers use pooled O-cells for antibody screening as it has antigens of non-ABO blood group systems that are prevalent in a representative population. Pooled O-cells sometimes fail to detect antibodies to less prevalent red blood cell antigens with reduced expression or show a dosage phenomenon. Despite pooling 4 to 5, O-donor segments, sometimes, it is difficult to detect clinically significant antibodies. False-negative indirect Coombs test by pooled O-cells may delay getting a compatible unit for elective cases where type and screen policy is used. Donor units with weak antigenic expression or units showing dosage can come compatible despite being antigen positive and lead to a hemolytic reaction. We report two cases where antibody screening by pooled O-cells was negative; still, cross-match was incompatible. Antibody screening with a three-cell panel was positive. Antibody identification with 11-cell panels confirmed the alloantibody to be anti-E. The present cases emphasize the importance of three-cell panels over pooled O-cells.

Keywords

• antibody screening
• coombs test
• indirect coombs test
• pooled cells