RhIg Policies for Weak D

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RhIg Policies for Weak D

Of the main D variants, a female with partial D (or partial weak D) may develop anti-D to the D epitopes that she lacks. Fortunately, partial D red cells adsorb little anti-D, thus leaving enough free RhIg to suppress immunization.

However, most laboratories do not routinely differentiate between D variants and instead rely on routine tests and associated test protocols to determine a mother's Rh status for the purposes of RhIg administration.

Policies differ between countries and even within countries.

1. Some labs do not test pregnant women for weak D and rely on routine D typing to determine Rh status. 

2. Some labs perform weak D tests on pregnant women who appear to be Rh negative and, if weak D, do NOT inject with RhIg.

3. Some labs perform weak D tests on pregnant women who appear to be Rh negative and, if weak D, inject with RhIg based on the possibility that they may be partial D and capable of forming anti-D.