Molecular technology has transformed the practice of laboratory medicine and revolutionized patient care. Molecular Protocols in Transfusion Medicine is a much-needed reference for the transfusion laboratory. If you phenotype blood, perform prenatal serology, specialize in complex antibody investigations, or diagnose neonatal cytopenic disorders, this manual is a must for state-of-the-art analyses of blood group polymorphisms. The manual provides comprehensive coverage for the molecular bases of polymorphisms expressed on red cells, platelets and neutrophils in a 'facts sheet' format. It covers general concepts in molecular biology and includes specific protocols such as specimen processing, DNA extraction, quality control, PCR set-up, and troubleshooting guides. Other useful adjunct including web site addresses, glossary, and worksheets are also detailed as a guide for the user. Easy to use, practical and focused, Molecular Protocols in Transfusion Medicine is essential for molecular biologists, scientists, immunohematologists and hematologists involved in the study of human genetic polymorphisms. Key Features * Organized by blood group system * Online references for nucleic acid sequences * Protocols that allow investigators to set up assays with minimal effort, e.g. primers, reagents, and reaction conditions * Relevant safety information * Application and interpretation of results in a variety of clinical settings * Key references, accession numbers, web sites, request forms, work sheets and glossary * Clearly presented data complemented by excellent diagrams and tabular material