I was wondering if anyone use O Cells as a negative control for Anti-A1 instead of A2 cells. I would like to bring in A1 testing but don't want to carry A2 cells since we wouldn't use them for anything else.

     Thanks

I can see from where you are coming, but I honestly doubt if you will get away with using group O red cells as a negative control for this.

Since anti-A1 lectin is used to differentiate between A1 and A2 (plus other weak subgroups), I would think it important to prove that the reagent does that.

Question: Do you use group O cells as the negative control for anti-A and/or anti-B ?

  Actually with our QC that we do in tube, the negative control for Anti A and Anti B is O Pos cells. That is CorQC from Ortho.

29 minutes ago, Kathyang said:

  Actually with our QC that we do in tube, the negative control for Anti A and Anti B is O Pos cells. That is CorQC from Ortho.

Next question: What does the package insert say ?

The Immucor insert for anti-A1 lectin requires "A1 or A1B and A2 or A2B cells".

Edited November 27, 20177 yr by exlimey

I agree with exlimey in referring to manufacturer's insert. I would also think of resolving ABO discrepancy. If there is Anti-A1 in your patient's plasma, then you have to find type A red cells negative for A1 antigen. In my opinion, it is easier and more practical to use the reagent A2 cells. You have to consider the cost of Anti-A1 lectin and resources used to find A1 negative cells.

So the question is: Do you want to screen and find A1 negative cells or do you want to use reagent A2 cells?