Molecular methods in immunohematology are rapidly becoming commonplace in transfusion medicine. Many of the obvious and early uses for molecular techniques have been fulfilled: fetal blood group genotyping, resolution of ABO and D discrepancies, and the discovery and characterization of new (and old) blood group antigens. Transfusion laboratories are currently realizing the gains to be made with mass genotyping for extended (minor) blood group antigens of donors. We are poised to increase rapidly the worldwide inventory of rare blood. More importantly, the analytical turnaround time for these tests is reaching a point where genotype information of patients can be used real-time to manage their transfusions.

This education session is designed to challenge the scientific community to think about the impact that molecular genotyping of patients and donors will have in the future. How can blood group genotyping be used to improve the support of chronically transfused sickle cell patients? What will happen to red cell alloimmunization if we "dry" (genotype) match patients and donors for their red cell transfusions? What advantages will be had by dry matching donor "liquid organs" to patients? These are some of the questions being asked of physicians and scientists in immunohematology. Join us for presentations and discussions on the future of molecular immunohematology.