EA Rosette Formation: a Simple Means to Increase Sensitivity of the Antiglobulin Test in Patients with Anti Red Cell Antibodies

Abstract

Erythrocyte antibody (EA) rosette formation with the Fc-receptor on the K-562 erythro-myeloid cell line was employed for the detection of subagglutinating amounts of Ig molecules bound to red cells. The sensitivity of the method exceeds that of the conventional direct and indirect antiglobulin tests without any alteration of the incubation media or red cell pretreatment. The increased sensitivity did not diminish the specificity of the test, which can also detect IgG, IgM and complement. This method may demonstrate the presence of antibodies on red cells in patients with suspected autoimmune hemolytic anemia and negative antiglobulin test.