Extended Blood Group Typing and Specialized Reagents
Beyond ABO and Rh, numerous minor blood group systems influence transfusion outcomes. These include Kell, Duffy, Kidd, Lutheran, and MNS groups. Specialized reagents target these antigens to improve compatibility for patients requiring frequent transfusions, such as individuals with sickle cell disease or thalassemia.
Extended blood typing reduces the risk of alloimmunization, where the patient’s immune system reacts against transfused cells. By using specialized reagents, clinicians can match donor units more precisely, supporting safer long-term treatment strategies.