RhDTypisierung

RhDTypisierung is the process of determining the presence or absence of the RhD antigen on the surface of red blood cells. The Rh blood group system, introduced in the early 20th century, comprises eight antigens, of which RhD is the most clinically significant. The RhD antigen status is inherited co-dominantly, leading to three phenotypes: RhD positive, RhD negative, and RhD null (also called DEL). Accurate RhD typing is essential for transfusion medicine, prenatal care, and organ transplantation to prevent hemolytic reactions and sensitization.

Standard RhD typing techniques include serotyping, where patient erythrocytes are incubated with anti-D antibodies and then observed for agglutination, and flow cytometry, which uses fluorescence-labelled anti-D antibodies for increased sensitivity. Molecular methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of exon 10 of the RHD gene, are employed for weak D or partial D variants, especially in blood donor screening and in patients with atypical serological results. Recent advances also include point-of-care testing devices for rapid RhD determination in emergency settings.

In obstetrics, RhD typing of the mother and fetus guides Rh immune globulin prophylaxis to prevent hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. In transfusion practice, RhD type compatibility ensures safe transfusion; RhD negative patients receiving RhD positive blood may develop alloantibodies, leading to delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. Consequently, RhD typers maintain comprehensive databases to match donors and recipients accurately.