The detection of soluble ABH blood group substances in semen and saliva using monoclonal blood grouping reagents

Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), this study investigated the use of monoclonal antibodies for detecting secreted ABH blood group substances in semen and saliva. The results demonstrated that the behavior of some monoclonals were unpredictable and often failed to detect the corresponding antigen in a number of the specimens tested. The suitability of the monoclonal reagents for detecting soluble blood group antigens could not be predicted by their behavior with red cell antigens. Consequently, care must be taken in the selection of monoclonal reagents for use in the detection of secreted blood group antigens.