Assessment of discrepancies in partial weak RhD phenotyping

Abstract

Introduction: The study of the Rh system in transfusion medicine is fundamentally related to its involvement in hemolytic transfusion reactions and Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN). Erythrocyte alloimmunization is an immune response against foreign erythrocyte antigens, generally occurring due to sensitization during blood transfusions and pregnancies. To reduce the number of transfusion reactions, erythrocyte phenotyping is performed on both blood donors and recipients, facilitating the identification of antibodies that may form in the future as well as alloantibodies that have already been formed. In this regard, increasing efforts are being made to obtain reagents capable of detecting all these variant D antigens. Objective: To analyze the discrepancy in partial weak RhD phenotyping that can occur in the identification of blood component units. Method: Literature review conducted through research using databases such as PubMed, Scielo, Capes Journals, using search terms like blood groups, alloimmunization, Partial Weak RhD, as well as non-indexed articles deemed relevant to the topic. Results: A total of x articles were selected. The review was carried out and addressed the importance of the discrepancy in the partial weak RhD phenotype in associated pathologies. Final considerations: Despite some variables being beyond laboratory control, preventing 100% accuracy, the use of more than one analysis technique with different methodologies minimizes errors, albeit at increased costs.