The Rho Variant-Du

A simplified test for the D^u factor employing a reagent containing 25 per cent serum albumin, the "stick" technic to introduce cells and forceful cen-trifugation has been given an extensive trial in a routine blood bank operation. A routine preliminary test with anti-D gave 5,051 negative reactions among 26,753 bloods tested. The D^u tube test was then performed on the former with an anti-CDE reagent in parallel with the indirect antiglobulin test done with anti-D. All bloods positive by one or both tests were tested further for D antigens by an anti-D elution technic; they were also tested for Rh-Hr factors.
Among the 126 bloods positive by elution for the D^ufactor, 122 and 126 were positive respectively by the antiglobulin and the D^u tube tests. The two tests were in agreement on all eight of the type ccD^uee bloods found in the study. The D^utube test, as done with anti-CDE, gave no false negative reactions. It is, thus, concluded that bloods which are negative with this test will be type ccddee and can be labeled "Rh negative tested for D^u. Serological factors which might account for sensitivity of the D^u tube test's being the equal of the antiglobulin test are considered, as are the probabilities of the existence of D variants so weak that they could not be detected by either test.