The results of the 1979 Comprehensive blood bank survey of the College of American Pathologists.

The results of the 1979 Comprehensive Blood Bank Survey of the College of American Pathologists are summarized in tabular form and analyzed. Approximately 2400 laboratories participated in this program. Results of ABO grouping, Rh D typing, and compatibility testing were excellent--over 95% of the participating laboratories obtained the correct responses. Some problems were evident in the recognition of an anti-B in a group B individual, and in the identification of an anti-Cw and an anti-Jka. Sixteen percent of participants reported false positive results in typing with anti-N a cell whose phenotype was M. Other ungraded samples were supplied to provide additional unusual challenges and to review the results of the participants. Many of the questionnaires used in 1978 and 1979 contained additional questions which help define blood bank practices during these years. The responses to these questions are also listed.