Results of HLA antibody testing using ELISA vs the fluorescent bead method and retrospective review of data for recipients of packed RBCs and platelets from male HLA-immunized donors

Am J Clin Pathol. 2011 Jan;135(1):90-5. doi: 10.1309/AJCP98JNYHGCGMHK.

Abstract

We reviewed HLA antibody testing results using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for all male blood donors at our institution during a 3.5-month period to look for HLA immunization. Confirmatory testing of 33 blood samples positive for HLA class I and/or II antibodies was performed using the fluorescent bead method. A retrospective review of recipients of packed RBCs and platelets processed from these 33 HLA-immunized male donors were conducted to identify transfusion-related acute lung injury and cognate antigens. The agreement rates between the methods for HLA class I and II antibodies were 21% (7/33) and 6% (2/33), respectively. We noted HLA antibodies in the male donors corresponding to cognate antigens in 2 recipients of packed RBCs and in 3 recipients of platelets. Of 8 donors positive for HLA antibodies, 5 did not have a history of blood transfusion. We conclude that ELISA was too sensitive and had a high false-positive rate for the detection of HLA class II antibodies.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Lung Injury / etiology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Donors
  • Blood Platelets / immunology
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods*
  • Erythrocyte Transfusion / adverse effects
  • Female
  • HLA Antigens / blood*
  • HLA Antigens / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Testing / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Transfusion / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • HLA Antigens