This lectin has a carbohydrate specificity toward α-linked N-acetylgalactosamine. It has been used to establish secretor status in blood group A individuals by hemagglutination inhibition techniques and for blood typing. This lectin has also been used as a general marker of developing renal collecting ducts.
Biotinylated Dolichos biflorus agglutinin has an appropriate number of biotins bound to provide the optimum staining characteristics for this lectin. This conjugate is supplied essentially free of unconjugated biotins and is preserved with sodium azide.