Banking with precision: Transfusion medicine as a potential universal application in clinical genomics

Purpose of reviewTo summarize the most recent scientific progress in transfusion medicine genomics and discuss its role within the broad genomic precision medicine model, with a focus on the unique computational and bioinformatic aspects of this emergent field.Recent findingsRecent publications continue to validate the feasibility of using next-generation sequencing (NGS) for blood group prediction with three distinct approaches: exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing, and PCR-based targeted NGS methods. The reported correlation of NGS with serologic and alternative genotyping methods ranges from 92 to 99%. NGS has demonstrated improved detection of weak antigens, structural changes, copy number variations, novel genomic variants, and microchimerism. Addition of a transfusion medicine interpretation to any clinically sequenced genome is proposed as a strategy to enhance the cost-effectiveness of precision genomic medicine. Interpretation of NGS in the blood group antigen context requires not only advanced immunohematology knowledge, but also specialized software and hardware resources, and a bioinformatics-trained workforce.SummaryBlood transfusions are a common inpatient procedure, making blood group genomics a promising facet of precision medicine research. Further efforts are needed to embrace transfusion bioinformatic challenges and evaluate its clinical utility.