Red Blood Cell (RBC) Antigen Typing: M
Use
Typing paternal RBCs for antigens that correspond to maternal antibody may aid in the prediction of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Red cell antigen typing may also be indicated for bone marrow, tissue, organ, or blood donors prior to donation. Testing a prenatal patient for red cell antigens is generally not indicated. The occurrence of the M antigen is 78% in Caucasians and 74% in Blacks. Anti-M is an extremely rare cause of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Many examples of anti-M are naturally-occurring.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Presence of potent cold agglutinins, positive direct antiglobulin test, and (in some cases) bacteremia may interfere with test interpretation.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1231-0 - M Ag RBC Ql
- 1231-0 - M Ag RBC Ql
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
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant