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Introduction
For the better part of the last century blood grouping was done by serologic, i.e. antibody based, methods. More than 15 million blood donations are typed for ABO and D each year by such methods in Europe. Similar numbers apply to patient testing which has to cover additional blood group systems and is often technically more demanding.
Since 1990 the genetic bases of the blood groups were established. The allele polymorphism was recognized to be more complex than anticipated by many transfusion medicine specialists. However, within a mere 10 years all basic research issues have been resolved. Experienced serologists have somewhat grudgingly accepted the support by blood group genotyping which can bridge certain diagnostics gaps, but they continue to maintain that genotyping may only be useful to complement serological data.
The application of molecular techniques and the exploration of the molecular basis were instrumental for almost all recent significant contributions to the basic and clinical aspects of blood groups. Major progress in elucidating serologic conundrums was made by the molecular exploration of questions that escaped in some instances their characterization for decades. Other results contributed considerably to basic biologic research and exemplified the relevance of blood group research beyond medicine.
A major part of the future of blood grouping will clearly involve genotyping. In this context, this symposium explores the options for mass genotyping. It does so by addressing the current knowledge of the molecular bases; the specific applications that are routine or may become routine shortly; the current applications in exemplary European countries; the opportunities provided for ethical issues of mass genotyping; and the industry’s perspective taking into account the experience from previous similar technology changes.

Citation for this Symposium: Transfus Med Hemother 2004:31(suppl 3):48 - 50; Symposium SY1; Abstract no. SY100 - SY108
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