What effect does an enzyme panel have on Duffy antibodies?

An enzyme panel has a specific effect on Duffy antibodies, primarily destroying their reactivity. Duffy antibodies are classified as IgG antibodies, which are sensitive to certain enzymes, such as proteases. When these enzymes are introduced, they cleave and denature the proteins that Duffy antibodies target. Consequently, this process diminishes or obliterates the antibodies’ ability to react with their corresponding antigens, resulting in weakened or absent hemagglutination in testing.

This reaction can be critical when interpreting antibody identification results, as enzyme treatment is often used to enhance the detection of other blood group antibodies but has the opposite effect on Duffy antibodies, leading to the loss of their reactivity. Understanding this interaction is essential for blood bank technologists when evaluating serological tests and ensuring accurate blood typing and compatibility assessments.