The value of gel test and ELAT in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.

Three methods for detection of warm type IgG autoantibody were evaluated using 400 blood samples from 147 patients suspected of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA). Three direct antiglobulin techniques (DAT) were used: conventional tube DAT, gel-DAT by micromethod and gel-DAT enzyme linked antiglobulin test (ELAT). Eluate examinations confirmed the presence of autoantibodies on red cells. These tests were compared directly using 126 selected blood samples from 85 patients with IgG molecules on their red cells detected by the gel test. In 106 of these samples, collected from 65 patients with clinical symptoms of AIHA, the presence of autoantibody was confirmed by acid elution. The ELAT was positive in 100 samples (94%), 87 samples for tube DAT (82%). The ELAT as well as the tube DAT was negative in 20 samples with non-reactive eluates by gel test. The gel-DAT was therefore not fully specific and detected IgG on red cells of patients with hypergammaglobulinaemia. However, due its higher sensitivity it proved useful as a screening test. The ELAT allowed changes in the number of IgG molecules per red cell to be monitored quantitatively. Both methods play a part in the diagnosis and monitoring patients with warm type IgG auto-antibody.

Enzyme-linked antiglobulin test for the evaluation of the amount of IgG autoantibodies on red blood cells.

An enzyme-linked antiglobulin test (ELAT) was adapted to the assessment of IgG autoantibodies on red cells. Due to the worked out standard curve and the performance of the test on microplates, ELAT became a simple and inexpensive technique. It can be used for the detection of IgG within the range from 70 to 37,500 molecules per red cell. This is a simple quantitative method that can be used in immunohaematological studies of red cells.

[Results of serological tests for syphilis used in preventive examinations]. / Wyniki testów serologicznych w kierunku kily stosowanych w badaniach profilaktycznych.

Results of serological tests for syphilis performed on donors and patients at the Institute of Haematology over the last two years are summarized. The results of tests performed by cardiolipins ++ USR and VDRL antigens, and later confirmed using FTA-ABS and TPHA methods were evaluated. They indicate that the recently produced USR antigen is more sensitive and more specific than VDRL antigen. Similarly, TPHA proves to be more sensitive than FTA-ABS test in these prophylactic assays.