AM25-SN-14-L - Unexplained Reactivity in Red Cell Antibody Identification: A Way Through

Proposed Session Description: Have you experienced the frustration of serologic antibody investigations that seem to lead nowhere? Unexplained reactivity with several or many test cells can confound your interpretation even when specific RBC alloantibodies have been identified.  Is this reactivity important?    Are the medical laboratory scientists able to recognize when such a case presents in their transfusion medicine department? Are there strategies that may lead to a final resolution? This program will help the participant assess reactivity that appears to have no specificity and might be reported as antibody of undetermine specificity (AUS).  Serologists with a solid foundation of basic investigation tools will learn a logical progression of actions involving testing and non-testing components. Decisions that may involve referral to another laboratory or performance of monocyte monolayer assay will be included. Considerations for clinical discussion and management of patients presenting with unexplained reactivity and the need for transfusion will be of interest to physicians. While it may not be possible to determine a reason for every reaction seen, conscientious patient management requires these cases be thoroughly evaluated. It is valuable to have a protocol and communication plan for patients that present with antibodies of undetermined specificity.