Non-specific red cell reactivity in an obstetric population.
OBJECTIVE: To examine non-specific red cell reactivity (NSR) on antibody (Ab) screening of obstetric inpatients. METHODS: Observational study of 5438 obstetric inpatients (2009-2013). Ab-positive patients were identified and their records reviewed for NSR, other antibodies, transfusion reactions or hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn (HDFN). Evaluation of NSR frequency by test era assessed the impact of an institutional change to solid-phase screening in 2011. RESULTS: Of obstetric inpatients, 5.3% had at least one positive Ab screen; 1.6% had NSR. Of NSR-positive patients, 16.7% had identifiable Abs that pre-dated NSR; 25% had concurrent Abs and 8.5% had subsequent Ab identification. In 49.1%, NSR resolved during follow-up. The frequency of NSR was higher after the change to solid-phase Ab screening, but specific Ab frequency was similar in both testing periods. No transfusion reactions or cases of HDFN were noted in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: NSR is found in 1-2% of obstetrical inpatients at our institution, and has more than doubled since the initiation of solid-phase screening. Although likely clinically insignificant by itself, NSR is commonly found in relation to other red cell Abs and may precede their development.
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Related Subject Headings
- Pregnancy
- Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
- Immunologic Tests
- Humans
- Female
- Erythrocytes
- Erythroblastosis, Fetal
- 4204 Midwifery
- 3215 Reproductive medicine
- 3213 Paediatrics
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Pregnancy
- Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
- Immunologic Tests
- Humans
- Female
- Erythrocytes
- Erythroblastosis, Fetal
- 4204 Midwifery
- 3215 Reproductive medicine
- 3213 Paediatrics