Red Blood Cell (RBC) Antigen Typing: E/e

Typing paternal RBCs for antigens that correspond to maternal antibody may aid in the prediction of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Red cell antigen typing may also be indicated for bone marrow, tissue, organ, or blood donors prior to donation. Testing a prenatal patient for red cell antigens is generally not indicated. The occurrence of the E antigen is 29% in Caucasians, 22% in Blacks, and 39% in Asians. Anti-E can cause mild hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. The occurrence of the e antigen is 98% in Caucasians and Blacks and 96% in Asians. Anti-e can cause rare, usually mild hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.