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Red Blood Cell (RBC) Antigen Typing: K (Kell)

CPT 86905

Test Details

Methodology

Hemagglutination

Result Turnaround Time

2 - 4 days

Related Documents

Use

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 K antigen is 9% in Caucasians, 2% in Blacks, and rare in Asians. Anti-K can cause mild to severe (rare) hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (often with anemia), which is sometimes delayed.

Special Instructions

This test does not include little k (cellano). To order little k typing, refer to test 006096.

Specimen Requirements

Limitations

Presence of potent cold agglutinins, positive direct antiglobulin test, and (in some cases) bacteremia may interfere with test interpretation.

References

Fung MK, Grossman JB, Hillyer CD, Westoff CM, eds. AABB Technical Manual. 18th ed. Bethesda, Md: American Association of Blood Banks;2014.
Reid ME, Lomas-Frances CG, Olsson ML, eds. Blood Group Antigen Facts Book. 3rd ed. London, England: Academic Press; 2012.

Specimen

Whole blood

Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Container

Lavender-top (EDTA) tube

Storage Instructions

Specimens should be tested as soon as possible or within 72 hours of collection. Samples that cannot be tested immediately should be stored at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze red cells.

Causes for Rejection

Gross hemolysis; bacterial or other contamination

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
006068 K (Kell) RBC Antigen Typing 1096-7 006067 K (Kell) RBC Antigen Typing 1096-7
Order Code006068
Order Code NameK (Kell) RBC Antigen Typing
Order Loinc1096-7
Result Code006067
Result Code NameK (Kell) RBC Antigen Typing
UofM
Result LOINC1096-7