Research | Introduction

2006 was an exciting and busy year in the scientific support labs. Over 800 samples were received from both patients with complex serological problems that needed specialized testing and donors for blood group genotyping. Dr. Joann Moulds and Mark Kobuszewski MT(ASCP)SBB completed their training to perform the bead-chip microarray blood group genotyping at BioArrays Solutions (Warren, NJ). With the assistance of Mary Leib MT(ASCP)SBB, the validation of the equipment and protocol was completed and the genotyping of all group O African-American blood donors was begun late in the year. As this database of donors grows in 2007, LifeShare will be able to provide more units of blood, that are more completely matched for the major blood group factors, for our sickle cell and other multiply transfused patients. To support this important work, BioArray Solutions awarded a research grant to LifeShare to blood group genotype all sickle cell patients in our services area which will be initiated in 2007. Accordingly, the Scientific Support Labs recently welcomed a new research scientist, Ms. Clarissa Lowery MT(ASCP), who will be responsible for these studies.

LifeShare scientists continue to be recognized for their expertise. John Moulds MT(ASCP)SBB was elected to the Scientific Section Coordinating Committee at the AABB meeting in Miami while Joann Mould PhD, MT(ASCP)SBB was named as Chairman of the newly formed Molecular Testing Standards Program Unit. In addition, Joann and John will both be honored at the joint California Blood Bank System/South Central Association of Blood Banks (CBBS/SCABB) Annual Meeting in May 2007. Joann has been selected to present the CBBS Suzanne Ledin Memorial Lecture and John will give the SCABB Technical/Scientific Award Lecture.

Recent Publications
A. Seltsam, S. Strigens, C. Levene, V. Yahalom, M. Moulds, J. Moulds, et. al. The molecular diversity of SEMA7A that carries the JMH blood group antigens. Transfusion 2007;47,133-46.

AM. Gonzalez, VM. Cabrera, JM. Larruga, A. Tounkara, G. Noumsi, BN. Thomas, JM. Moulds. Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Mauitania and Mali and Their Genetic Relationship to Other Western Africa Populations. Annals of Human Genetics 2006;70,631-57.

M. Duk, E. Lisowska, JJ. Moulds. Polyagglutinable NOR red blood cells found in an American family and a Polish family have the same unique glycosphingolipids. Transfusion 2006;46,1264-64.

JR. Storry, ML. Olsson, JJ. Moulds. Rabbit red blood cell stroma bind immunoglobulin M antibodies regardless ofblood group specificity. Transfusion 2006;46,1260-61.

JM. Moulds, SW. Long, Q. Chen, JJ. Moulds, VM. Cabrera. Insights into the Genetic Background of Holley and Joseph by Mitochondrial DNA Analyses. Transfusion 2006;46(supp),26A.

GT. Noumsi, A. Tounkara, H. Diallo, JM. Moulds. Knops Blood Group Polymorphisms and Protection from Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Transfusion 2006;46(supp),19A.

GT. Noumsi, A. Tounkara, YG. Guindo, JM. Moulds. Incidence of Alloimmunization in Blacks from Africa vs. the USA. Transfusion 2006;46(supp),157A.

JM. Moulds, GT. Noumsi, Q. Chen, JJ. Moulds. New Dombrock Haplotypes of African Origin. Transfusion 2006;46(supp),139A.