Is there any significant reason to perform an auto control when performing antibody identifications in Gel or tube testing 37C to AHG methods? Once an antibody has been tentatively identified, we always test the patient's red blood cells for the corresponding antigen. Antigen typing of the patient's cells would tell us if we are dealing with an allo or auto antibody, so performing an auto control as part of the antibody identificaton seems unnessary to me. (Of course, an autologous control is necessary when performing a cold panel.)

Some folks do and some folks don't. It can be helpful when dealing with a recently transfused patient. I'm sure others have opinions on the utility of such.

I think if you don't run an autocontrol, you at least need a DAT. If you are going to run a separate DAT, it's just as simple to run an autocontrol along with the rest of your panel. One thing that an autocontrol can do that a DAT may not be able to help with, is to determine if you might actually be dealing with an antibody against your enhancing agent such as LISS. Also, the strength of the autocontrol can help determine whether or not you are dealing with an alllo or autoantibody.

I hated giving up my auto control with Ab Screens, but "they" made me do it ...

I found a few delayed transfusion reactions in my career that initially showed up as a mf auto control. BTW, mf = mixed field, so I wasn't cussing out the auto control !!

Yeah, I agree, I like running the auto ct, esp when all my techs are generalists. It saves time over the phone. So far "they" haven't forced me to give it up. I may be going to one of the alternate technologies, so it may pass in the near future too, alas.