This session will explore the clinical and diagnostic implications of the Duffy-null phenotype, a genetic variant highly prevalent among individuals of African descent. The Duffy-null phenotype, while protective against Plasmodium vivax malaria, has a significant impact on white blood cell (WBC) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) values, often resulting in benign ethnic neutropenia. However, because current clinical reference ranges for WBC and ANC are generalized and do not account for phenotype-specific or ethnic variations, individuals with the Duffy-null phenotype are at increased risk for misdiagnosis, unnecessary treatment, and exclusion from clinical trials.
Through discussion of current evidence, participants will gain an understanding of how these diagnostic oversights contribute to broader healthcare inequities, including delayed or inappropriate care and increased healthcare costs. The session will emphasize the need for phenotype-specific reference ranges and provide insight into how laboratories and healthcare providers can adopt more inclusive diagnostic practices. Additionally, we will highlight the gaps in existing research, the socioeconomic consequences of diagnostic disparities, and the challenges in implementing new clinical guidelines.
By the end of this session, attendees will be equipped with knowledge to advocate for more equitable diagnostic standards and to consider genetic diversity when interpreting laboratory values—ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for underrepresented populations, especially African Americans with the Duffy-null phenotype.
This session offers 1.0 CME/CMLE credit.
Faculty/Authors
Teeter Brittany
Physician Competencies: Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Professionalism
CME/CMLE Credit: 1.0
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
Format: Online Educational Activity
Accreditation Statement: The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
Credit Designation Statement: The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Instructions
To claim CME/CMLE credit for the exercise, do the following:
- Review the Technical Considerations.
- Review the Faculty Disclosures.
- Click Go to Course to view an overview of the modules in this course.
- Click Access to begin the course.
- Submit the course Evaluation.
- Enter the maximum number of credits offered and click Claim CME to register credit.
Faculty Disclosure
Technical Considerations
Release Date: 11/18/2025
Review Date:
Expiration Date: