Biochip Reduces Risk in Blood Transfusions

A novel DNA biochip greatly eliminates the risk of adverse reactions due to incompatibility in blood groups between donor and receptor in blood transfusions.

The BLOODchip, which uses fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to identify blood group alleles, was developed to counter the disadvantages of the two current systems to check blood, the serological method and DNA sequencing. The serological technique has a limited capacity and does not allow the detection of 3% of existing incompatibilities; DNA sequencing, on the other hand, while overcoming the major drawback of the serological method, is a slow and costly system.

The BLOODchip, developed by Progenika Biopharma (Derio, Spain), offers a safer, quicker, and more specific analytical process than with the serological technique. Additionally, its cost is twenty times less than DNA sequencing, which enables its generalized and routine use in all blood transfusions. One thousand clinical samples were validated in cooperation with Bloodgen, an international consortium of European universities and blood banks. Sample validation was 99.8%, considerably higher than that produced using the current serology technique.

The ultimate goal is that a new technology will come in and replace techniques that have been around for 100 years or so. Genotyping is incredibly accurate and could be used for a wide range of routine testing of patients in the near future, said Professor Neil Avent, director of Bloodegen.

There are 29 different blood group systems but currently only ABO and Rh (Rhesus) types are routinely tested for. Genetic biochips enable the simultaneous analysis of genetic variables, multiplying the capacity of conventional techniques for the diagnosis of illness, prognosticating its aggressiveness and progression, and predicting the response of the patient to treatment.


Related Links:
Progenika Biopharma
Bloodgen