Simultaneous genotyping of human platelet antigens (HPA) 1 through 6 usingnew sequence-specific primers for HPA-5

BACKGROUND: Polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers is wi dely used for genotyping human platelet antigens (HPA). However, the result s of HPA-5 genotyping are still problematic. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: New sequence-specific primers were designed for H PA-5 that, together with already published primers, allow simultaneous geno typing of HPA-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and -6. The reliability of the described p rotocol was determined by using reference DNA samples as well as samples fr om healthy blood donors. RESULTS: All primers produced specific amplification products. The genotype and the previously ascertained phenotype of the tested specimens were in c oncordance in all cases. CONCLUSION: The described polymerase chain reaction protocol allows rapid, reliable, simultaneous genotyping of HPA-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and -6.