Enzyme SPRCA assay in alloantibody identification
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An automated Enzyme solid phase red cell adherence assay (SPRCA) for alloantibody screening in pre-transfusion testing will enhance the repertoire for antibody identification in patients within a clinical setting.
IRAS ID
131516
Contact name
Joanne Goody
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 23 days
Research summary
Pre- transfusion testing is an important aspect in transfusion safety. Its aim is to ensure maximum red cell survival post blood transfusion to aid in the improvement of a patient’s condition without causing any adverse reactions by detecting red cell antigen directed antibodies. In Cheltenham General Hospital we use the Immucor Galileo Neo, an automated solid phase red cell adherence (SPRCA) system to undertake pre-transfusion testing; this includes performing antibody screening and identification on patient’s plasma.
If the antibody screen using the SPRCA automated assay is positive further studies including antibody identification are undertaken to help identify the antibody specificity. Several different methods within our hospital are utilised to help determine antibody specificity including the use of an automated antibody identification panel and a National Blood Service (NBS) enzyme treated 10 red cell panel.
The aim of the investigation is to examine the advantages of an automated enzyme antibody screen and identification panel. The assays would use the same Immucor Galileo Neo analyser and automated test scripts as the current routine antibody screen and identification panel but with the addition of an enzymatic reagent; Papain. Using the automated enzyme antibody screening and identification assay alongside the current automated routine antibody screen and identification as may help to positively identify antibodies of certain blood group systems without the need to continue onto manual identification techniques.
Papain enhances and destroys specific red cell antigens. These include antigens within the Kidd and Duffy blood group systems, the antibodies produced against these blood groups are clinically significant and have the ability to cause delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs) with the destruction of the transfused red cells. Detecting these antibodies is an important step in Transfusion blood safety and therefore additional testing to help determine antibody specificity is highly recommended.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0525
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion