Serological score does not always align with match count

[benbelow]

In certain edge case situations, serological vs. molecular typings can be considered a match by the matching algorithm (and therefore brought back in the search results), but then assigned a mismatch grade by the scoring portion of the algorithm.

Some examples are noted below:

B*40:01:02 vs B61

This match is assigned a match count of 2/2 by the matching algorithm, yet the scoring algorithm calls it a mismatch.

The score is due to the allele B*40:01 mapping to B60, which is a mismatch to B61.

B12 vs B51 - share 51:42P ;51:42 maps to both 44 and 51 in rel_dna_ser file.

B12 vs B49 - share 44:42 (44 and 21) and 45:04 (45 and 21)

B65 vs B*14:01 - share 14:01P - 14:80/14:81 are both mapped directly to 14

B21 vs B*44:ADYGF - actually called a Broad serology match because 44:42 maps to 44 and 21.

B21 vs B44 - share 44:42 (44 and 21)

Summary

In all cases, the donors were called matches as they shared at least one P group with the patient typing - however, they were also deemed serology mismatches due to not having any overlapping serology.

It is admittedly confusing, but cannot be “fixed” without consultation with search experts. Also, the ser vs ser cases are expected to be very low frequency as patients are not typed with serology these days.