Dr. Margaret A. Keller is the Executive Director, National Laboratories, American Red Cross, Philadelphia, PA. The National Molecular Laboratory at the American Red Cross provides DNA-based testing for blood group and platelet antigens. The laboratory screens selected blood donors to identify those with rare blood types or those negative for multiple antigens. Such donors are eligible for entry into the American Rare Donor Program and help support the needs of patients with antibodies to blood group antigens. The laboratory also performs DNA-based-testing of patient samples to predict antigen status. This is useful in cases where serologic phenotype is not possible due to recent transfusion, positive direct antiglobulin test or lack of serologic reagents. Testing is also useful if the patient is suspected of having a variant antigen, as is common in the Rh system in individuals of African descent. DNA-based testing includes the use of medium throughput, multianalyte tests such as BeadChip (BioArray Solutions) as well as lab-developed tests and DNA sequence analysis.  Dr. Keller is a member of the Molecular Standards committee of the AABB.

• Red Cell Immunohematology
• Blood Group and Platelet Antigen Genotyping
• Blood Group Antigen Alloimmunization
• Sickle Cell Disease Transfusion Management
• Personalized Medicine Research

PhD, University of Pennsylvania, Molecular Genetics - 1994
BA, Rutgers College, Rutgers University, Biochemistry - 1988