Report of the First Workshop of the ISBT International Platelet Immunobiology Working Party, Asia Regional

Background and Objectives The aims of the first workshop of the International Platelet Immunology Working Party, Asia Regional (IPIWP-AR), were to identify antibodies against human platelet antigen (HPA), to compare laboratory performance in the detection of the antibodies and to help laboratories to audit and standardize the own in-house platelet DNA genotyping methods. Materials and Methods Fourteen laboratories from eight countries participated, which were provided with six DNA samples for genotyping, six serum samples, monoclonal antibodies for monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) and the mixed passive hemagglutination (MPHA) kits for antibody detection. Results Most of the laboratories could detect the anti-HPA-2b, anti-HPA-4b, anti-HPA-5b and Naka antibodies, by the combination of MAIPA and MPHA. However, some had difficulties with the HPA-1a antibody, possibly dependent on the rarity of HPA-1b alloantigen among Asian. Although a good concordance was obtained in genotyping, a significant inter-laboratory variation was observed, possibly dependent on the methods used. Conclusions The IPIWP-AR and the workshop were successfully established, and most laboratories were able to identify majority of HPA antibodies and genotype HPA correctly.