PCR with sequence-specific primers for typing of diallelic blood groups.

Abstract

PCR with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) is a cost-effective and robust method for the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Many blood group antigens and the antithetic antigens are based on a diallelic SNP in the coding region of the corresponding blood group gene. Here, we describe PCR-SSP protocols for genotyping 24 blood group antigens based on 12 diallelic SNPs. We also provide protocols for molecular determination of the rare blood group phenotypes Yk(a-) and Vel-.