Understanding Weak D Antigen: Implications for Transfusion and Prenatal Care
Have you ever wondered whether RHD- is truly negative for this antigen, or if the antibody was simply undetectable for detecting this antigen? Here, you will find the answer. Introduction The RHD antigen is one of the antigens in the Rh blood group system, which is the most common blood grouping after the ABO system that expressed on the surface of red blood cells. When the D antigen is present, individuals are classified as D-positive; when it is absent, they are classified as D-negative. However, in some cases, the D antigen is present on the surface but the ability to detect it is less. These cases are referred to as 'weak D' antigen. Identifying and diagnosing the specific type of weak D antigen comes from a clinical perspective of it. What is Weak D? The term "weak D" historically referred to red blood cells that showed weaker (< or =) 2 of the blood group grading or diminished agglutination reactions with anti-D antibodies during routine blood typing. Over...