The comparison of two tests, gel microcolumn agglutination (GMA) and conventional tube testing (CTT), used to detect the presence of antibodies capable of causing hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), has been recently observed in a study published in the 2024 SMFM Pregnancy Meeting.
GMA and CCT are blood tests commonly used in clinical practice to detect alloantibodies directed toward antigens in fetal red blood cells. They are of key importance for the diagnosis of HDFN. The authors aimed to assess the correlation between results in both testing modalities.
The authors analyzed data produced from November 2018 to October 2022, including 166 GMA titers from 87 obstetric patients. The study compared the impact of various antibodies, including anti-Rh(D) and anti-Kell.
The study revealed a significant correlation (R2 = 0.5325, p < 0.001) between GMA and CTT titers, indicating a consistent relationship. Notably, GMA titers were consistently higher than CTT titers across various antibodies, except for anti-Kell.
The study underscores the correlation between GMA and CTT titers, offering insights into blood compatibility testing for obstetric patients. Notably, GMA titers were consistently higher than CTT titers, except for anti-Kell antibodies. This information is crucial for healthcare providers, especially when hospital blood banks solely employ GMA techniques.
“There is a correlation between GMA and CTT titers. GMA titers are consistently higher than CTT titers in all antibodies tested in our study except for anti-Kell. A predictive table was created for provider reference if their hospital’s blood bank only employs GMA techniques,” the authors concluded.
