Matthew Hazell: Molecular Matching and the Future of Transfusion Practice
Matthew Hazell, Consultant Clinical Scientist at NHS Blood and Transplant, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“From molecular science to safer transfusion practice…
A real privilege to hear Dr Lilian Maria de Castilho deliver the 2026 Sally Frank Memorial Award and Lectureship at AABB 2026 in Atlanta.
The award itself has a wonderful history, established in memory of Sally Frank and her dedication to red cell serology and education, recognizing those who combine research, teaching and service in immunohematology.
And that combination was very much reflected in today’s lecture.
Dr Castilho explored the journey from science to clinical practice in immunohematology, particularly through the lens of Latin America and the extraordinary genetic diversity encountered within its populations.
One area that particularly caught my attention was the move towards molecularly informed transfusion strategies for multiply transfused patients with sickle cell disease.
Rather than thinking about matching as a single approach, a risk-stratified model was presented:
- Lower risk – RH and KEL
- Intermediate risk – extending matching across RH, KEL, FY, JK, MNS and DI
- Higher risk/clinically significant RH variants – extended genotype and RH genotype matching
But there is an important reality check…
The more precisely we define the ideal match, the smaller the compatible donor pool can become.
That makes donor genotyping, representative donor panels, rare donor programs and collaboration increasingly important if the promise of molecular matching is going to translate into something we can actually deliver for patients.
For me, that was one of the strongest messages of the session:
- Genotyping gives us extraordinary resolution.
- But resolution only improves patient care if we can translate it into compatible blood at the bedside.
A fascinating lecture and a fitting recognition of Dr Castilho’s contribution not only through more than 200 scientific studies, but through the education and mentorship of hundreds of transfusion professionals across Latin America.”
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