ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>A multiplex PCR system for screening rare blood group antigens K and Yt(b) was constructed to study the distribution of the two blood groups in a Uygur population in Xinjiang, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sequence-specific primers (SSP) were designed based on single nucleotide polymorphism sites of KEL and ACHE alleles encoding the two blood group antigens. The system was designed for simultaneously detecting the two antigens by optimizing the PCR reaction. Three hundred and sixty-two randomly selected healthy individuals were screened. Products of PCR were further analyzed for heterozygosity.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The system was set up successfully. No KK sample was identified and 9 K+ k+ , 41 Yt (a+ b+ ), 4 Yt (a- b+ ) were found among the 362 samples.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The established PCR-SSP based multiple PCR system is efficient to screen the rare blood group antigens K and Yt(b). The information of rare blood donors obtained from the screening can be used to improve the capability of compatible transfusion.</p>