Polyethylene glycol improves the indirect antiglobulin test

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Abstract
PEG3350, a linear polymer of ethylene glycol, was evaluated as a potentiator of the indirect antiglobulin test (IAGT). The polymer enhances the avidity and affinity of clinically significant red cell alloantibodies than those obtained with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The sensitivity and specificity of the PEG-mediated reactions were superior to those obtained with BSA. Subpopulations of red cells, such as those encountered with fetomaternal hemorrhages, were detected at lower concentrations with PEG than with BSA using the microscopic Du test. The superiority of the PEG reaction, its simplicity, and the reagent''s relatively low cost make substitution of the polymer for BSA in the IAGT an attractive option.