Resolution of ABO Discrepancies



 

It is crucial to correctly identify ABO discrepancies. All ABO discrepancies must be investigated and the underlying cause identified before a patient or donor’s correct blood type can be resulted.

Originally published on September 11, 2019


Lecture Presenter

Justin R. Rhees, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM, SBBCM

Justin R. Rhees, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM, SBBCM

Assistant Professor, Medical Laboratory Sciences
Weber State University

Justin received his M.S. Degree in Laboratory Medicine and Biomedical Science at the University of Utah. He is a Specialist in Blood Bank Technology, board certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), and is an active member of AABB, the South Central Association of Blood Banks (SCABB), and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS).


Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Given the results of ABO typing, correctly identify if a discrepancy exists and if the source is most likely in the forward or reverse type.
  • Describe in detail several causes of ABO discrepancies due to the following:
    • Weak or missing reactivity in the reverse typing
    • Unexpected reactivity in the reverse typing
    • Weak or missing reactivity in the forward typing
    • Unexpected reactivity in the forward typing
  • Describe appropriate follow-up testing that is necessary in the resolution of ABO discrepancies

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, and ARUP Laboratories