How Does Liss Work in Blood Bank

Acronym for “Low Ionic Strength Saline.” LISS is used in blood bank testing to potentiate reactions between antibodies and red blood cells. … This creates a net positive electrical charge, and the similar charge on all RBCs causes them to repel each other (this is also known as “zeta potential”).

What is the difference between PEG and LISS?

LISS is a solution of glycine and albumin. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) in a LISS solution removes water from the system and thus concentrates the antibodies present. PEG can cause non-specific aggregation of cells, thus eliminating the necessity for centrifugation after 37 °C (99 °F) incubation.

How does Liss enhance antibody detection in the antibody screen?

With the addition of LISS, incubation times can be reduced from 30-60 minutes to 10 minutes. PEG, a water-soluble linear polymer, appears to accelerate antibody-RBC binding by steric exclusion of water molecules in the diluents and to promote antibody detection.