Importance of phenotyping in blood donors for the identification of rare phenotypes

Resumen

Introduction: Erythrocyte alloimmunization may arise from blood group incompatibility between ethnically diverse donors and recipients. Providing blood to patients with rare or complex red cell antigen profiles poses a significant challenge. These individuals may have red blood cells that either lack high incidence antigens or possess a combination of several uncommon antigens. As a result, finding compatible blood donors becomes difficult. Methods: The objective was to identify extended phenotyping strategies for the various blood group systems to aid transfusion in patients with a phenotype considered rare. This is a systematic review, in which parameters were followed as a basis for the PRISMA recommendations with a focus on the search for the literature published in the last 10 years on erythrocyte phenotyping in blood donors, aiming to identify rare phenotypes for transfusion support. Results: We found 20 articles describing rare antigens and antibodies, reporting difficulties in finding compatible blood and the need for a registry of these blood donors. In summary, the provision of blood to patients with red cells lacking high incidence antigens or complex antigen profiles is indeed a challenging task. It necessitates specialized testing, access to rare blood donors, and alternative strategies to ensure the best possible match for transfusion.