Erythrocytic Immunology Laboratory

Erythrocytic immunology analyses are done to prevent erythrocytic hemolytic risk. They are essential in a transfusion and transplant context, as well as part of pregnancy follow-up or hemolytic anemia assessment.

Serology case investigation services

We identify and solve problems associated with red blood cell transfusion. We provide services to help hospitals solve serological problems with patients' red blood cells. Our analyses enable health care professionals at hospitals screen alloimmunized people (or those at risk of becoming so) and offer optimal management to them. Solving complex problems associated with erythrocytic antibodies can require the use of advanced serological tests or genotyping.

Our laboratory conducts analyses for the screening and identification of erythrocytic antibodies for:

• perinatal screening;
• investigating complex cases.

Genotyping services

The genotyping services complement the serological analyses. We use state-of-the-art molecular testing platforms to provide genotyping of red blood cell antigens.

Our laboratory does erythrocytic genotyping for:

• sequencing antigen-producing genes for more complex cases;
• the genotyping of 37 antigens from 10 blood groups;
  • antigens can belong to blood group systems such as the Rhesus (C, E, c, e), Kell (K), Duffy (Fya, Fyb), Kidd (Jka, Jkb), and MNS (S, s) systems;
• the study of genetic variants of RhD causing weakened expression of the D antigen in women aged 45 and under who are able to procreate;
• identification or confirmation of a rare erythrocytic genotype.

IgA assay and anti-IgA detection services

IgA analysis is required for determining whether a person has an IgA deficiency below the clinically significant threshold (<0.05 mg/dL or 0.5 mg/L). The anti-IgA analysis is done as a second stage if the IgA analysis shows that the person has an IgA deficiency. The goal is to ensure that people with an IgA deficiency and with a history of severe allergic transfusion reaction due to an anti-IgA antibody being transfused with blood products whose IgA level is below the clinically significant threshold.

Our laboratory does the following analyses:

• identification of IgA deficiency;
• detection of anti-IgAs in people with an IgA deficiency.