What additional tests should be performed for tube typing if a patient types as AB and appears Rh positive?

What additional tests should be performed for tube typing if a patient types as AB and appears Rh positive?

• A. Rh negative control
• B. Direct antiglobulin test (DAT)
• C. Low-protein Rh antisera
• D. No additional testing is needed

Answer: (A)

In a situation where a patient types as AB and appears Rh positive, it is essential to ensure that the Rh typing is accurate, particularly since ABO typing can sometimes mask an underlying issue with Rh antigen expression. Performing an Rh negative control is crucial in this context. This control involves testing the sample against a known Rh negative red blood cell preparation to confirm that the Rh positive result is not a false positive due to autoantibodies or other interfering substances. The Rh negative control is designed to check whether the reagents used in the typing process are specific and reliable. If there is no agglutination with the Rh negative control, it suggests that the Rh typing result is indeed valid. Conversely, if there is unexpected reactivity in the control, it may indicate a problem with the initial testing, warranting a further assessment of the patient's sample. Thus, validating the Rh typing results through a negative control helps to ensure accurate blood grouping and the safe transfusion of blood products. This careful approach is crucial to prevent potential hemolytic transfusion reactions that could arise from incorrect blood typing results.

In a situation where a patient types as AB and appears Rh positive, it is essential to ensure that the Rh typing is accurate, particularly since ABO typing can sometimes mask an underlying issue with Rh antigen expression. Performing an Rh negative control is crucial in this context. This control involves testing the sample against a known Rh negative red blood cell preparation to confirm that the Rh positive result is not a false positive due to autoantibodies or other interfering substances.

The Rh negative control is designed to check whether the reagents used in the typing process are specific and reliable. If there is no agglutination with the Rh negative control, it suggests that the Rh typing result is indeed valid. Conversely, if there is unexpected reactivity in the control, it may indicate a problem with the initial testing, warranting a further assessment of the patient's sample.

Thus, validating the Rh typing results through a negative control helps to ensure accurate blood grouping and the safe transfusion of blood products. This careful approach is crucial to prevent potential hemolytic transfusion reactions that could arise from incorrect blood typing results.