Rhesus D variants in pregnant women: results of a one-year observation period

Wolf D. Kuhlmann

MVZ für Laboratoriumsmedizin Koblenz-Mittelrhein, 56068 Koblenz
Laboratory Diagnostics & Cell Science, 56112 Lahnstein

The Rh blood group is a polymorphic system with significant issues in blood transfusion which holds especially true for Rhesus D. Serologic RhD typing can be incorrect due to the fact that monoclonal anti-D reagents may react with weak and partial D types in a variable manner. RHD variants such as weak D type 1, type 2 and type 3 are quite common in the European population while other weak D types and partial D variants are observed rarely. This, however, is changing due to migration, and the possibility of false D antigen typing in cases of blood transfusion and pregnancy should be minded. In this context molecular RHD analysis will become increasingly needed to secure the correct RhD status.