THE EFFECTS OF DIASPIRIN-CROSS-LINKED HEMOGLOBIN ON THE ASSESSMENT OFIMMUNOHEMATOLOGY PROFILES

BACKGROUND: Extensive studies have been conducted on the in vitro effe cts of diaspirin-crosslinked hemoglobin (DCLHb) in biochemical, hemato logic, hemostatic, and blood banking (immunohematologic) methods. The absence of red cell antigens or plasma and/or serum antibodies allows DCLHb to be used as ''universal-donor'' material. This study evaluates the effects of DCLHb on the accurate assessment of the immunohematolo gic profile (ABO and Rh blood grouping, antibody screen, and crossmatc hing). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: DCLHb, 7.4 g per dL in an electrolyte solution, was mixed in vitro with human whole blood, representing the blood types A Rh-positive, A Rh-negative, B Rh-positive, B Rh-negativ e, O Rh-positive, O Rh-negative, and AB Rh-positive. Two concentration s of DCLHb were tested: 10-percent (0.74 g/dL) and 30-percent (2.22 g/ dL). Controls were prepared by adding a 5-percent albumin solution to aliquots of whole blood in volumes equivalent to those used in prepari ng the DCLHb dilutions. Serum and/or red cell suspensions from these a dmired samples were analyzed for their ABO and Rh blood groups, the pr esence of unexpected antibodies (antibody screen), and compatibility i n crossmatch testing. RESULTS: DCLHb added to whole blood in vitro had no effect on the accurate interpretation of the immunohematologic pro file. CONCLUSION: DCLHb does not appear to inhibit the true response o r crossreact in the analysis of blood grouping, antibody screening, or crossmatching. In addition, the red color of DCLHb (up to 2.22 g/dL) did not obscure the visual reading for agglutination.