Preparation of a Heat-Elution Solution GSG for A/B/H Weak Antigen Test.

Abstract

Background: Our study aimed to enhance the efficiency and sensitivity of the 56°C heat-elution test, minimize he-molysis in the eluate, and improve detection of A/B/H weak antigens. To achieve this, we developed a novel, simplified heat-elution solution: the glycine/sodium chloride/glycerin mixture (GSG).

Methods: We monitored the osmotic pressure, pH changes, and bacterial growth of GSG over a 10-week period, comparing it to fresh solution and 6% calf serum. Additionally, we assessed GSG's antibody concentration, sensitivity, specificity, hemolysis degree, and antibody preservation against 6% calf serum and normal saline. The elution efficacy of GSG was also compared with that of glycine-HCl/EDTA.

Results: GSG stored at 4°C for 9 weeks maintained osmotic pressure and pH values comparable to fresh preparations, demonstrating superior stability over 6% calf serum. GSG outperformed 6% calf serum and normal saline in agglutination intensity, antibody titer, sensitivity, and hemolysis degree, without yielding false positives. Agglutination strength and antibody titer remained stable 24 hours post-preparation. The sensitivity of antibodies reached 100% after 48 hours, significantly higher than that of 6% calf serum and normal saline. Moreover, GSG's elution efficacy surpassed the glycine-HCl/EDTA method.

Conclusions: The GSG method is superior to 6% calf serum, normal saline and glycine-HCL /EDTA elution techniques in terms of sensitivity and other elution efficiency. This breakthrough significantly improves the detection of ABH weak antigens and sets new standards for blood grouping and transfusion protocols.