[HTLA Antibodies]

Where I work we use the following terminology: "probable Knops System antibody" or you can use the following mouthful "Antibody to an antigen in the system fomerly known as HTLA". If it's possible to narrow it down based on the cells/antisera we have available we'll call it anti-Kna, anti-Sla, etc.

[Fyb Antisera Problems???]

Hey Brenda,

Our lab also experienced these problems with the Fyb antisera. We also investigated the age/condition of the panels and washing the cells before testing. We found that when tested with the Ortho panel the three sources of anti-Fyb we have gave us the reaction we wanted without having to wash the cells before use: score 9/ 3+. We have temporarily switched to using the Ortho panel only for our Fyb controls until the issue is resolved.

I think last year that Ortho reformulated the preservative their cells are stored in and their packaging is designed to protect the cells from exposure to light so it's possible the reactions are due to the affect of storage on the Fyb antigen on the Immucor panels.