DETECTION OF KELL-BLOOD-GROUPS - MOLECULAR METHODS IN THE DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY

The introduction of molecular biology techniques to the field of trans fusion medicine has allowed more detailed analysis of the basis for th e expression of several blood-group antigens. The application of the p olymerase chain reaction for the determination of red-cell blood-group genotype is a highly sensitive technique that can be used to determin e the likelihood of a fetus being affected by haemolytic disease of th e fetus or newborn. This alone makes polymerase chain reaction based t echniques highly desirable for such applications. The determination of the genetic basis for the Kell/Cellano polymorphism has enabled the d evelopment of polymerase chain reaction-based techniques for genotypin g, Several other red-cell blood-group antigen pol morphisms can also b e analysed in this way.