A Comparative Study of Three Techniques for Eluting Red Cell Antibodies

Abstract

Sixty-seven eluates obtained from the heat, ether and acid elution techniques were tested with the specific red blood cells (RBCs) and were compared according to their reactivities using the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT). It was found that the ether elution technique was superior in eluting Rh antibodies except for anti-e while the acid elution technique was superior in eluting Miltenberger (Mia) antibodies (P < 0.05). The heat elution technique gave the lowest reactivity among the three techniques. In conclusion, the reactivities of the eluates obtained from the acid elution technique were overall comparable to those from the ether elution technique. The acid elution technique is practical for routine use in most blood banks because it is less time consuming and reduces the risk of exposing hazardous chemicals.