Efficient donor screening for rare red cell phenotypes

Abstract

The search for blood donors with rare red cell phenotypes has frequently involved the targeting of a specific population with a high frequency of sought-for antigens. The attempt to recruit and identify donors in minority populations has often been inefficient and has risked offending individuals in the targeted group. A successful and cost-efficient method for identifying blood donors with rare red cell phenotypes has been developed and has attracted large numbers of donors to participate with a minimum of potential problems. Oklahoma has a large Native American population, and a large percentage of blood donors are Indians. In this study we obtained information concerning the donor's racial background. More than 4000 blood donors representing 30 different Indian tribes participated in the program. Samples of blood from the donors were screened for a variety of red cell antigens. Four Di(a + b −) and four R_zR_z were identified. Most participants in the study were from the Cherokee, Creek, and Choctaw tribes. The red cell phenotypes in these tribes are reported and compared to previous studies. Continuing studies of this population include HLA typing for our hemapheresis program.