A microsphere-based suspension array for blood group molecular typing: An update

Background: In a previous publication we described a method for Jk ^a/Jk ^b, Fy ^a/Fy ^b, S/s, K/k, Kp ^a/Kp ^b, Js ^a/Js ^b, Co ^a/Co ^b, and Lu ^a/Lu ^b genotyping based on a microsphere suspension array. Here, an improved version of the assay is presented. Methods: Two multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were developed: one for amplification of samples routinely tested and the other for those systems that are tested less frequently. Each biotinylated PCR product is hybridized in a single multiplex assay. A total of 2,020 samples were analyzed, and the genotypes were compared to the blood group phenotypes. Results: There have been no discrepancies with the serology results other than null and/or weak phenotypes. Conclusion: In its present form, the method presented here has the capacity to genotype hundreds of a samples in few hours with a high concordance rate with serology.