[Identification strategy of RHCE gene variants at the National Blood Group Reference Laboratory: impact on transfusion safety].

The RH blood group is the most polymorphic and immunogenic blood group system. The RH locus is composed of 2 highly homologous genes: the RHD gene encoding the D polypeptide; and the RHCE gene, encoding C or c together with either E or e polypeptides. Numerous variants exist for both RHD and RHCE genes. Among them we were interested in the serological and molecular definition of numerous pre-published RHCE variants encountered in different populations. The identification of these variants is crucial to ensure the transfusion safety for patients expressing these variants. Here we propose a procedure to identify some of them and discuss the adequate transfusion strategy. This procedure has enable us to identify new variants to be presented at the symposium.