The international workshop on granulocytes immunobiology 2024 was organized by Dr. Takahashi (Japan). Four sera and DNA samples were sent to each participant (17 reference laboratories). The analysis reports of the individual laboratories were received and evaluated by the organizing laboratory.

In the summer, a business meeting was held at which the presence of the HNA-3 antigen on erythrocytes was presented as a multi-centere study for the members of the working party. It was suggested that members of the working party who have access to erythrocytes should test the binding of anti-HNA-3 alloantibodies to erythrocytes. Further experiments (if possible) such as analysing the mRNA library of erythrocytes were welcomed. However, only the group in Giessen has carried out the analysis and no other laboratory provides the results.

The ISBT Executive Director suggested the idea of combining the granulocyte and platelet working parties. An online meeting was held with members of both groups and the issue of merging the two groups was discussed. The final decision is to hold an election in which all members will vote on merging the two parties. After the vote on merging the two parties, the next step will be to present the candidates for the Chair of the Platelet and Granulocyte Working Group and to elect the new Chair.