HEA BeadChip™ technology in immunohematology

Classic methods to determine human red blood cell (RBC) antigens are based on serologic testing. Thanks to increased knowledge of the molecular basis associated with many blood group antigens, it is currently possible to predict their presence or absence on the red cell membrane. Several molecular techniques have been developed to detect the most important allelic variations attributable to single nucleotide polymorphisms. The human erythrocyte antigen (HEA) BeadChip™ system manufactured by BioArray Solutions (Immucor, Warren, NJ) is one of the commercial DNA array platforms currently available to predict HEAs by DNA analysis. This technology provides a useful tool to increase the inventory of antigen-negative RBC units and prevent immunization of patients who require chronic transfusion by providing compatible RBC units based on matching by DNA testing.