The Use of Radioactive Antiglobulin for the Detection of Erythrocyte Sensitization

Red cell sensitization by either agglutinating or incomplete antibodies was detected with an I¹³¹ labeled rabbit antihuman globulin serum (RAG). Nonspecific absorption of RAG by red cells was reduced to a minimum by the addition of 6 per cent bovine albumin. The reactions between RAG and the sensitized erythrocytes were typical of antigen-antibody reactions and the sensitivity of the test was found to be greater than the standard Coombs test. Quantitative studies of the degree of erythrocyte sensitization by isoimmune or autoimmune antibodies were possible with this technic.