Detection of RHCE and JK alleles by sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

Genotyping of RHCE and JK alleles shall essentially supplement the serological typing when the transfusion recipient has been multiply transfused with red cells or the recipient’s red cells are heavily coated with autoantibody. The RHCE and JK alleles are mostly indicated because the corresponding distributions of the antithetical antigens are usually heterogeneous among different ethnic populations. This project was aimed to design a fast, simple and direct PCR-SSP protocol for the RHCE and JK genotyping in the local population. Eighty samples, which covers the most common phenotypes of the Rh(CE) and Kidd blood groups, were included in the study. Ten sets of allele specific primers were designed for sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP) under same PCR condition in 7 tubes. The PCR-SSP results showed no discrepancy with the serologic phenotypes. The designed PCR-SSP protocol for RHCE and JK genotyping was then evaluated with 7 transfused patients to test for its clinical application. The PCR-SSP results also showed full agreement with the pre-transfusion phenotypes. The PCR-SSP for RHCE and JK alleles is confirmed to be a quick, cost-economic and accurate strategy that can resolve doubtful serological typings. The implication of Rh(CE) and Kidd antigens shall confirm patients’ phenotypes and assure safe transfusion.