139 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health whether testing is done as a matter of routine by the Blood Transfusion Service Board for Kell antigen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21522/96]

Limerick East): The Blood Transfusion Service Board has informed me that the various blood group systems together contain over 400 characterised antigens, the vast majority of which are so weak that they rarely cause clinical problems. Only two, the ABO and rhesus D, RHD, systems, require routine prospective matching prior to blood transfusion. All donated blood is routinely typed for ABO and rhesus D antigens. The remaining blood group differences present problems for only a small number of patients for whom a previous sensitising episode, usually from pregnancy or earlier transfusion, has stimulated the formation of antibodies which necessitates the selection of more accurately matched blood for transfusion.