Due to the variability in antigen presentation associated with "HTLA" antibodies, the secondary characteristics used to describe the behavior of these antibodies also differ significantly. The literature indicates that once "HTLA" antibodies are suspected based on primary characteristics, the following secondary characteristics frequently signal their presence:
- Reactions are sometimes random and irreproducible, both in strength and in reactivity. Many of them will react with nearly all cells tested, but not always the same cells if the antibody identification panel is repeated.
- Fresher cells will produce stronger reactions with these antibodies.
- Cord blood cells will produce weaker reactions with these antibodies.
- These antibodies are not typically enhanced when using Low Ionic Saline Solution (LISS) or Polyethylene Glycol (PEG).
- They tend to not bind complement.
- They are usually not clinically significant.
