Errors in detection of subgroups in the ABO blood group system
Sato, C.; Maeda, H.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 55(9): 2362-2368
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 9301301 Document Number: 479350
In the ABO blood group system, several subgroups have been described based on: 1) the difference of reactivities of the red cells with anti-A, anti-B, anti-A1, and anti-H, 2) the presence or absence of anti-A, anti-B, anti-A1, anti-H, and anti-HI in serum, and 3) the presence of A, B, H substances in the saliva of ABH secretors. Subgroups of A are more frequent in Caucasians than in Japanese, while those of B are more frequent in Japanese. Both the red cell typing (testing red cells for A and B antigens) and serum typing (testing the antibodies in the serum against red cells of known ABO groups) are important to identify and not to overlook these ABO subgroups. When transfusion is required in individuals with these subgroups, compatible blood products must be selected according to the presence or absence of antibodies active at 37 degrees C.