Does anyone else require 3 A2, 3 A1 & 3 O cells be tested against the sample of a patient suspected of having anti-A1?

Since both Immucor and Ortho's A1 & A2 cells are pools, isn't running just one of each of them sufficient since if there were any other antibody causing the reaction it should give a mixed field result or react with the O cells. (Of course the O cells should be positive for M & P1 to catch those specificities.)

We don't expend much effort in identifying beyond doubt an Anti-A1. If you suspect it, go ahead and find AHG crossmatch-compatible units. According to the Technical Manual, when the Patient returns, you need not even give non-A1 units unless the antibody is present in the current sample. Anti-A1 is in the group with Anti-M, Anti-N and Anti-P1.

Hey Mabel, We do the 3,3 and 3...... but we use donor cells that we have screened, not pooled cells. We go thru the whole mess with lectin and all to prove the anti-A1. (but we are a supplier so take with a grain of salt)

We no longer use 3 of each cell -- just one A1, A2, and O cell plus typing patient cells with anti-A1.