An evaluation of the DiaMed assays for immunoglobulin A antibodies (anti-IgA) and IgA deficiency.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Immunoglobulin A antibodies (anti-IgA) are rare but can cause transfusion-associated anaphylaxis. The detection of anti-IgA has traditionally been performed using a labor-intensive hemagglutination assay in a limited number of reference laboratories.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:

Two simple gel card assays are now available that can be used to screen for anti-IgA and IgA deficiency. A total of 24 serum samples that had been previously assayed for anti-IgA over a 3-year period were used to assess the DiaMed anti-IgA and IgA deficiency assays.

RESULTS:

The DiaMed assays correctly identified patients (n = 6) who had significant IgA deficiency and anti-IgA. All patients with an abnormal anti-IgA titer by hemagglutination assay and who were also IgA-deficient had anti-IgA detected using the DiaMed screening test. One patient, previously shown to have an IgA level of less than 0.067 g per L, failed to be detected as IgA-deficient in the DiaMed IgA deficiency test; however, anti-IgA were not present. Samples with slightly increased anti-IgA titers tended to have normal IgA levels.

CONCLUSION:

The DiaMed gel card screening assays are appropriate screening tools for the investigation of transfusion-related anaphylactic reactions and can be used in any routine blood bank laboratory.

• Authors: Ross Brown, Margaret Nelson, Esther Aklilu, Karieshma Kabani, Shihong Yang, Bernadette Blayney, Hazel Popp
• Journal: Transfusion (Transfusion) Vol. 48 Issue 10 Pg. 2057-9 (Oct 2008) ISSN: 1537-2995 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18657081 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article, Validation Study)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
• Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
• anti-IgA

Topics

• Anaphylaxis (prevention & control)
• Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic (analysis, blood)
• Humans
• IgA Deficiency (blood, diagnosis, immunology)
• Immunoassay (standards)
• Mass Screening (standards)
• Reagent Kits, Diagnostic (standards)
• Reference Values
• Reproducibility of Results
• Transfusion Reaction