Complex cases of antibody identification are often sent to the National or International Reference Laboratory to be identified and resolved. Indeed, the required methods are sometimes very specialized and only available to a few laboratories. However, many tools are readily available and can be used to progress or even resolve investigations in reference centers. The many “tips and tricks” and nuances of blood groups that enable case resolution are what makes this field so fascinating.
Shane Grimsley
Manager of the Red Cell Reference Laboratory at the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL), based in Bristol, UK
Since June 2015, Shane has been the Manager of the Red Cell Reference Laboratory at the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL) based in Bristol, UK. He has managed a team of highly skilled scientists across both serological and molecular techniques. In addition to his manager role, he is still highly involved in case investigation, resolution, and reporting. His laboratory has identified many new blood groups, including recently, a number of new antigens within the Lutheran, Yt, and Indian blood group systems.
Shane has a degree in biochemistry and in his formative years, worked with blood grouping where his focus was on the Rh blood group system. His career started with a keen interest in the complexities of the genetics and serology of D and CE. This interest and knowledge have now broadened to cover all blood group systems.
A key part of his role is to share his extensive knowledge and inspire others to share his passion for blood groups.