Title:Blood group systems and antigens described in the last 20 years: an update

Author:Natalya J Clark and Holly E Perry

Abstract:Objectives: New information about blood group systems and antigens appears frequently but has not been recently collated as a single text. Books such as the Blood Group Antigen FactsBook by Reid, Lomas-Francis and Olsson provide an excellent reference source. However, the last edition was released a decade ago, and much has been discovered since then. New information is used to review requirements for red cell antibody screening cells, maintain rare donor databases, monitor clinical events and educate practitioners. The aim of this study was to summarise information elucidated in the past 20 years, with emphasis on significance in clinical practice. We aimed to provide a resource that may be useful to practising transfusion scientists.
Methods: Information was gathered by literature search.
Results: 122 blood group antigens and 17 blood group systems were described in the past 20 years (2003 – 2023). 31 antibodies were either implicated in transfusion reactions or haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn or were considered to have the potential to cause these events.
Conclusion: Discovery and elucidation of blood group systems continues. Due to the rarity of clinical events, the clinical significance of many of the newer antigens and antibodies described is not yet certain. Nevertheless, it is important for transfusion scientists to be aware of new blood groups and monitor the likelihood of antibodies to cause transfusion reactions and/or haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. This literature review provides an update for transfusion scientists.
Key words: Blood group antigen, Rare blood group antibodies
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