AABB23: Anti-CD36 Frequently Interferes With RBC Antibody Screening

Anti-CD36 appears to interfere with red blood cell antibody screening, according to new research presented at the Plenary Oral Abstract Session on Sunday. The data, presented by Thierry Peyrard, PharmD, PhD, EurSpLM, from Université Paris Cité and Université des Antilles, represents confirmation regarding anti-CD36’s interference, which had previously only been suspected.

Based on the new findings, Peyrard is proposing that rCD36p be used when anti-CD36 is suspected in the immunohematology reference lab. He said this is an inexpensive, easy-to-use and effective test that “confirms the antibody specificity and also allows for the detection of potential underlying RBC alloantibodies of common specificity.”

Additionally, Peyrard says his findings lend support for CD36 to become a novel erythroid blood group system. However, he said “more work probably needs to be carried out to support this.”

Peyrard’s findings are based on a study of blood samples from 105 patients (99 women, 76 in an obstetrical setting; and six men), all of whom had a history of transfusion and were suspected to have an anti-CD36. Research showed that patients’ plasma reactivity could be fully neutralized with rCD36p.

Peyrard noted that anti-CD36 is a particular concern for pregnant people, since it has been associated with severe fetal/neonatal thrombocytopenia. Peyrard said this underscores the importance of rCD36p testing.