Background Automated solid-phase antibody screening uses red blood cell (RBC) membranes immobilised on polystyrene test wells to detect RBC specific antibodies. Despite its time-saving and labour-saving benefits, this method produces a higher rate of nonspecific reactivity compared with manual screening. Solid-phase panreactivity (SPP) is characterised by panreactivity (ie, all test cells reacting) in solid-phase testing accompanied by a negative autocontrol and a lack of reactivity when the same screening cells are tested in tube. The mechanisms underlying SPP and its clinical significance remain unclear. The goals of this study were to describe the prevalence of SPP at our institution and determine the alloimmunisation and transfusion reaction rates within this population.

Methods Data were collected on all patients undergoing type and screen testing over a 6-year period. Study patients undergoing subsequent transfusion were evaluated for reported transfusion reactions and development of new alloantibodies.

Results Of the 76 051 patients studied, 0.7% demonstrated SPP of which 11% developed new alloantibodies. The transfusion reaction reporting rate among patients with SPP was 2%.

Conclusions Our data suggest that patients with SPP have higher rates of reported transfusion reactions and alloantibody development compared with those without SPP.