AM24-MN-38-O: Turning Over Every Rock: Exploring Advanced Techniques in Platelet and Red Blood Cell Autoantibody Testing (Enduring)

Autoantibodies to platelets and red blood cells can be clinically pronounced but serologically difficult to detect. Autoimmune thrombocytopenia can require multiple testing modalities to identify an offending autoantibody, and up to 10% of autoimmune hemolytic anemias are negative by standard direct antiglobulin testing (DAT) methods. Although both are hematopoietic-derived cells, the approaches and technologies used in identifying antibody-coated cells differ. For blood bankers and clinicians, understanding the key features of autoantibodies despite negative testing with standard methods will prompt the appropriate esoteric testing required for a diagnosis. In this program, the faculty will dive into the complexities of platelet serology and genotyping as well as red blood cell extended DAT methodologies for autoantibodies. A discussion of platelet autoantibodies to glycoproteins IIb/IIIa, Ib/IX, and Ia/IIa and red blood cell autoantibodies that are low affinity IgG, warm reacting IgM, and IgA will highlight the less often observed causes of autoimmune destruction of platelets and red blood cells.