A new high-prevalence LW antigen detected by an antibody in an Indigenous Australian homozygous for LW*A c.309C>A variant.

Antibody detected in the patient recognized a novel high-prevalence antigen, LWEM, in the LW blood group system. LWEM-negative patients who developed anti-LWEM can be safely transfused with D+ RBCs, however, D- is preferred. Accurate antibody identification can help better manage allocation of blood products especially when D- RBCs are in short supply.