HPA-1, 3, 5 genotyping to establish a typed platelet donor panel

Platelet antigen typing of blood donors is not routinely performed. Usually , ABO-matched platelets are transfused. In situations where the recipient h as a human platelet-associated (HPA) antibody resulting in refractoriness t o platelet transfusions, post-transfusion purpura or neonatal alloimmune th rombocytopenia, HPA-typed platelets may be required. Having a panel of HPA- typed donors would be helpful. This study utilised PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSP met hods to determine the HPA-1, 3, 5 genotypes of 1,000 blood donors to establ ish a panel of HPA homozygous donors who could donate platelets for patient s with anti-HPA-antibodies. The study demonstrates the HPA genotype frequen cies in a Western Australian blood donor population and has identified dono rs who are homozygous for the "aa" and "bb" genotypes for HPA-1, 3 and 5. T he Australian Red Cross Blood Service-NW Region can now use these data to d evelop a panel of HPA-1, 3 and 5 "aa" and "bb" homozygous platelet donors, which can be accessed for patients with HPA antibodies requiring platelet t ransfusion.