Evaluation of the ID-gel test for antibody screening and identification.

A gel technique for the detection of red blood cell (rbc) antigen-antibody reactions was evaluated for use in antenatal antibody screening and identification procedures. The evaluation was undertaken on 3,900 random antenatal samples. Results obtained in the gel test system were compared with those obtained from parallel testing using conventional serological methods. The ID gel system detected 148 (3.7%) red cell antibodies, compared with 95 (2.4%) using traditional techniques. The number of non-specific antibodies and false-positive screens were reduced using the gel test system. Antibody titres performed using the gel system were more sensitive than with our tube IAT method. The gel system was easy to use and gave reliable, reproducible results. Antibody detection rates were enhanced compared with our existing routine techniques.