Reactions with frozen/thawed cells

[dcross]

We have had a few patients of late which react quite strongly with our frozen/thawed panel (glycerol 40% frozen at -30C for up to 6 months) but react weakly or not at all with commercial panels. The antibody or antibodies defy identification. We have had at times antibodies (especially Lewis) which react only weakly with our frozen panel but strongly with commercial panels. Not usually the reverse. Has anyone had a similar experience or can suggest an explanation.

David

[rcurrie]

You may be exposing T antigens by freezing and thawing the cells, thus destroying some antigens. Most adults have anti-T.

BC

[Sheryl Kochman]

Have you run a control of normal serum or even 6% albumin? I have seen frozen cells that will react with anything that has protein in it and suspect it is related to a change in cell surface charge causing non-specific binding of protein.