When anti-E is identified in a panel and no agglutination occurs with check cells, what is the most appropriate action?

When anti-E is identified in a panel and there is no agglutination with the check cells, this indicates a potential problem with the sensitivity or quality of the antiglobulin test, which is typically facilitated by the antihuman globulin (AHG) reagent. In this scenario, quality control of both the AHG reagent and the check cells is essential to determine if one of these components is faulty.

By performing quality control, you ensure that the AHG reagent is functioning correctly and can effectively bind to any IgG antibodies present in the test sample. Additionally, checking the performance of the check cells helps confirm that they are capable of agglutination when mixed with AHG, thereby confirming that the test was conducted properly.

This step is crucial prior to taking further action, as confirming the reliability of both the reagents involved will guide subsequent decisions on how to proceed with the interpretation of testing results, or whether to retest using new or confirmed reagents. In summary, quality control measures are foundational in blood banking practices to ensure accurate and reliable test results.