Red Blood Cell (RBC) Antigen Typing: Lea/Leb
Use
Determine the Lewis phenotype
Special Instructions
The occurrence of the Lea antigen is 22% in Caucasians and 23% in Blacks. The Leb antigen occurs at 72% in Caucasians and 55% in Blacks. Anti-Lea and anti-Leb do not cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn because Lewis antigens are not expressed on cord RBC.
Limitations
The presence of potent cold agglutinins can interfere with test interpretation. Additionally, a positive direct antiglobulin test and, in some cases, bacteremia may also affect the test outcome, leading to potential inaccuracies in phenotyping.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 93914-0
- 1115-5
- 1121-3
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Storage Instructions
Specimens should be tested as soon as possible or within 72 hours of collection. Samples that cannot be tested immediately should be stored at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze red cells.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; bacterial or other contamination